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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 5, 1999
Patricia Duff
Board of Trustees
Save the Children
54 Wilton Rd.
Westport, CT 06880
Dear Pat:
Thank you for your letter and the request for Mrs.
Clinton to host a forum on the Status of the World's
Mothers at the White House.
We do not know if Mrs. Clinton's demanding
schedule this spring will allow her to accept your invitation.
The issues you address are extremely important and, as you
obviously know, of great concern to Mrs. Clinton. I have
forwarded your request to Patti Solis Doyle, Director of
Scheduling for the First Lady. As plans for the Spring are
completed, her office will be in touch if Mrs. Clinton will
be able to join you.
Best wishes and thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
he Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer
the First Lady
Y
Save the Children.
54 Wilton Road
Jody S. Truwit
Westport, CT 06880
Director of Development
Tel: (203) 221-4204
Connecticut
Fax: (203) 222-1067
Campaigns & Events Liaison
[email protected]
R
Save the Children®
54 Wilton Road
P.O. Box 950
Westport, CT 06881 USA
(203) 221-4000
January 7, 1999
Ms. Malanne Verveer
Chief of Staff-First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
7
Dear Malanne,
Attached please find a letter and proposal to the First Lady regarding our efforts to create
and ambitious program to highlight women's issues through a forum on disadvantaged
women and children. As you know, Save the Children is a terrific organization.
I believe the forum would be a great fit for the First Lady and her participation would
clearly make the event meaningful and special. I hope we can work this out. Please call
me or Jody Truwit (203-221-4204) at Save the Children with any questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Pam 134 Patricia Duff
Many thanks
Working to make lasting, positive change in the lives of disadvantaged children in the United States,
Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States.
Recycled Paper
Save the Children.
54 Wilton Road
P.O. Box 950
Westport, CT 06881 USA
(203) 221-4000
January 7, 1999
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Hillary,
In your many travels over the past five years, you've seen the conditions of women and
mothers in the Developing World and have spoken with eloquence about their plight. I
come to you with a request to help again to illuminate the issues of women and children
caught in poverty worldwide. Save the Children, an organization you have supported and
on whose Board of Trustees I serve, is preparing a report on the Status of the World's
Mothers and hopes to release the report at a news conference and forum around Mother's
Day this May.
It is our hope that you will join us in releasing the report and speaking about this pressing
issue at a news conference at the White House. Following the news conference, Save the
Children's new Women's Leadership Council will host a forum that will focus on issues
of poverty affecting women and children in the developing world, including safe
motherhood, microlending, literacy and the effects of war on women and children.
Your involvement would enormously increase the credibility and visibility of the issues
and efforts to aid and empower women to better care for themselves and their children.
Attached is additional information on the proposed report and forum. I am working with
Donna Murphy (203-221-3710) and Jody Truwit (203-221-4204) at Save the Children.
They are available to work with your staff to provide information and facilitate any role
you might wish to play in creating an important national dialogue on this subject.
that
Sincerely,
Patricia Pann Duff
strongy A hope very yousider worthing I know much with it more your
Working to make lasting, positive change in the lives of disadvantaged children in the United States,
Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States.
Recycled Paper
Save the Children
HONOR THY MOTHER
National Forum on the Status of the World's Mothers
May, 1999
OBJECTIVES
A four-hour forum will be planned by the National Women's Leadership Council in conjunction
with the release of Save the Children's first report on the Status of the World's Mothers. The
forum's objective will be to enable supporters of Save the Children and international experts to
address specific issues of poverty that most directly impact women and children.
This first forum will be streamlined, but will be the foundation for an annual forum that will
bring together influential and informed experts on topics related to the status of women and
children worldwide to discourse with men and women who are willing to share their resources,
ideas and time to improve the quality of life for women and children. At the conclusion of the
forum, action steps will be outlined that participants and local Women's Leadership Councils can
take in the future to raise awareness and funding for disadvantaged women and children.
FORMAT
10:00-10:45 News Conference at the White House
Ideally the report would be announced with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. National and
international media will be invited for the release of the report. All forum participants will be
invited to attend.
11:15-12:15 Panel Sessions with well-known panelists at a nearby hotel
2 simultaneous panel sessions will be offered on issues that affect women and children's poverty
and methods for change. Topics would feature: economic opportunity, literacy and health and
subsets of the above, including impact of AIDS, girls education, microlending, safe motherhood,
women and children as refugees and the impact of war on women and children. Each session
will run one hour and include a brief presentation by an expert in the field as well as 2 additional
well-known panelists, such as prominent journalists or businesswomen.
12:30-2:00 Lunch with a Keynote Speaker
Lunch will commence with a brief summary by a well-known moderator of the Status of the
World's Mothers report and of the discussion in the two panel sessions. The theme of the lunch
will be "Women Who Are Making a Difference" and the keynote speaker will be honored
accordingly.
Working to make lasting, positive change in the lives of disadvantaged children in the United States,
Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 16, 1999
Martha Dale
Executive Director
Leeway, Inc.
40 Albert St.
New Haven, CT 06511
Dear Ms. Dale:
Thank you for your invitation for the First Lady to
speak at Leeway's conference on long term care for those
with HIV and AIDS, October 7-8 in New Haven, CT.
Mrs. Clinton is scheduled to be out of the country at
that time and regrettably will not be able to join you.
Ensuring affordable, accessible longterm care for those
afflicted with HIV and AIDS is of great concern to Mrs.
Clinton. She conveys her appreciation for Leeway's vital
work to care for those suffering from HIV and AIDS, along
with her best wishes for a productive and successful
conference.
Thank you for your leadership and all you do.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
R
Regree welk
January 13, 1999
eeway
Doug Sosnik
out
The White House
Washington D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Sosnik:
curty
The
I have just spoken with a relative of yours, Mrs. Louise Endel, who is a member of our Board of
Directors' Development Committee about the possibility of First Lady Hillary Clinton speaking at a
conference we are organizing on HIV/AIDS to be held in October, 1999. She suggested that I contact you
so that our request might be forwarded to someone in the White House who would know of Mrs.
Clinton's availability.
Leeway, Inc. is a 30 bed non-profit skilled nursing facility dedicated to the care of persons with
HIV/AIDS. We are the only facility of its kind in Connecticut and one of only a handful in the country.
We offer short term, long term and palliative care to patients, most of who are discharged to us from the
hospital setting after a serious medical crisis. Since our opening in 1995, we have cared for 218 patients.
Over 50 percent of our patients are eventually discharged back to the community.
The conference, scheduled for October 7 & 8, 1999, is entitled: HIV/AIDS Long Term Care: Community
to Facility and Back. We are designing this one and one-half day conference for New England and
Metropolitan New York hospital, skilled nursing, hospice and community based HIV/AIDS providers and
policy makers. Topics will include updates on medical, psychosocial, policy and planning, funding and
legal and ethic issues for the long term care of the HIV/AIDS patient. It is expected that approximately
200 participants will attend the conference, which will be held at the OMNI New Haven Hotel.
We have already identified and confirmed a number of the plenary session speakers and general faculty
for the conference and are now hoping to do the same for an opening speaker. Our committee has
suggested that First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton be offered this important role. Yale University,
specifically, and New Haven, generally, may have an appeal to Mrs. Clinton because of her days as a
student at the Law School.
I have included in this mailing materials that describe the conference plans to date and information about
our organization. These may be useful when contacting people about this request. I am available to talk
with individuals about our conference if that would help.
Our conference planning committee is grateful for whatever assistance you are able to provide.
Sincerely yours,
Martha G. Dale
Executive Director
40 Albert Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 865-0068
FAX (203) 865-0399
HIV/AIDS Long Term Care: Community to Facility
and Back
A Conference Proposal
Leeway, Inc., a 30-bed non-profit skilled nursing facility for HIV/AIDS patients, will
design and host a one and one-half day conference for hospital, skilled nursing, hospice
and community based providers on long term care for people with HIV/AIDS. The main
objectives of the program are: 1.) to provide updates from national and regional
HIV/AIDS care experts who will address the relevant issues for long term care covering
current HIV/AIDS health care policy, treatment strategies, emerging challenges and
funding issues along the care continuum, and 2.) to create networking opportunities for
treatment professionals working in the area of HIV/AIDS long term care.
The target audience will be HIV/AIDS health care professionals and policy makers from
the northeastern region of the United States, particularly those involved with long term
care. It is expected that approximately 200 persons will attend the conference. The
conference will be held on October 7 and 8, 1999 and will be held at the OMNI New
Haven Hotel.
The conference will have an opening, full plenary session, four mini-plenary sessions and
15 workshop sessions focused in the following five areas:
Medical - neuropsychiatric disorders and management, overview of treatment
strategies in the long term care setting, palliative care interventions, management
of substance use in the long term care setting, and medication adherence.
Psychosocial - family involvement, grief and bereavement, permanency
planning, and caring for the caregiver.
Policy and Planning - discharge planning strategies, aftercare/follow-up services
and missing links in the care continuum.
Funding - reimbursement issues: implications of the Medicare Prospective
Payment System and managed care, future issues in HIV/AIDS funding relevant
to long term care.
Legal and Ethical - refusal of treatment, patient autonomy, competency and
involuntary discharge, and case studies highlighting these and other relevant
issues.
In addition to the plenary sessions, there will be two abstract-driven poster sessions for
papers presented on various aspects of HIV/AIDS and long term care.
Page 2
Conference Proposal
In addition to the plenary sessions, there will be an abstract-driven poster session for
papers presented on various aspects of HIV/AIDS and long term care. It is possible that
some of the workshop sessions may be repeated if enrollment dictates.
A list of potential plenary session speakers to be contacted:
Peter Selwyn, M.D.- Yale University School of Medicine - accepted
Margaret Farley - Yale University Divinity School
David Hoos, M.D.-NY State AIDS Institute
Bernie Siegel, M.D.
Joseph O'Neill, M.D.- Acting Administrator, HRSA
Faculty will receive an honorarium for their participation in the program. Travel costs to
and from the conference will also be reimbursed.
The planning committee for the conference includes representatives from Leeway
(Executive Director, Director of Nursing Services, Medical Director, Social Services
Director) and representatives from Rivington House, a skilled nursing facility for
HIV/AIDS patients in Manhattan. The committee has been meeting since August, 1998.
Any questions regarding this conference should be directed to Martha G. Dale, Executive
Director, Leeway, Inc., 203-865-0068, 203-865-0399 fax.
HIV/AIDS CARE: COMMUNITY TO FACILITY AND BACK
Conference Block Plan October 7th and 8th, 1999
Day One 9:00-9:30
Hillary Clinton?
Welcome
9:30-10:15
Opening Plenary Session
Peter Selwyn, M.D.
10:15-10:30
Break
David Hoos, M.D.
10:30-11:15
Mini Plenary 1
NY AIDS Institute
Continuum of Care
11:15-12:00
Mini Plenary 2
Rivington House
Poster Session
12:00-1:30
Lunch
1:30-2:30
Mini Plenary 3
Joe O'Neil, M.D.
Overlap AIDS/Palliative Care
2:45-4:45
WS
WS
WS
WS
WS
WS
WS
123456
7
5:00-7:00
Poster Session
Reception
Day Two
Plenary Session #1
8:30-9:30
Bernie Seigal, M.D.
Panel Discussion
9:45-10:45
M. Farlev/A. Holder
M. Farley & A. Holder
Ethical Issues Surrounding AIDS Care
11:00-12:00
WS
WS
WS
WS
WS
8
9
10
11
12
Workshops
11:45-
12:00-12:15
Summary Session
12:15
Adjourn and Box Lunch
What is Leeway?
Why is the Leeway
What staff care for the
Leeway is a not-for-profit
facility needed?
residents?
nursing home, caring for
12,000 Connecticut residents are
Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses
estimated to be infected with HIV. 1,100-
and certified nursing assistants are
people living with
1,200 new cases of AIDS are diagnosed
employed around the clock. There are also
each year in this state. Over 1,400 people
physicians, social workers, dietitians, and
HIV/AIDS. Care is
have been diagnosed with AIDS in New
recreational therapists as well as kitchen,
provided without regard
Haven. About half of these people have
housekeeping and maintenance staff.
died. Approximately 10% of people living
to race, color, creed,
with HIV/AIDS need in-patient care, but
Catherine Kennedy, Leeway's Executive
not acute level care which is normally
Director and Administrator, has a
national origin, age,
provided by a hospital. Many people with
Master's degree in Management from
AIDS spend long periods in a hospital,
Yale and holds a Connecticut license as a
religion, handicap, sex,
when they could be cared for in a more
Nursing Home Administrator.
sexual orientation or
appropriate and cost-effective way in a
facility tailored to their needs such as that
Susan Molde, Director of Nursing, has a
preference.
provided by Leeway.
Master's Degree from the Yale School of
Nursing and is licensed in Connecticut
as an Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse (APRN). She has provided
primary care to people with HIV and
AIDS for many years, and has been a
Leeway is
Nurse Practitioner at Leeway since its
Who can be
opening in October 1995.
committed to
admitted to
providing
Leeway?
Peter Selwyn, M.D., M.P.H., Leeway's
Medical Director, has been involved in
residents with a
Anyone over the age of 14 who has
clinical care for people with HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS and is sick enough to need 24-
and related research activities since the
safe, nurturing
hour-a-day nursing care and supervision.
early 1980s in New York City. Since 1992,
Each admission is made on the
environment that
he has been Associate Director of the
recommendation of a physician.
AIDS Program at Yale-New Haven
promotes quality of life
Hospital and Yale School of Medicine.
Some examples of people living with
and dignity for each
HIV/AIDS who may be admitted to the
Paying for the
facility are as follows:
individual with a focus
cost of care
People discharged from a hospital who
Leeway, Inc. accepts reimbursement from
on the integration of
no longer need an acute level of care
Medicaid, Medicare, private insurers or
but are not well enough to return to
body, mind and spirit
private payments by individuals.
the community;
through mutual respect
People who need help with the activites
How to request care
of daily living or supervision of
among residents and
Admission to Leeway can be initiated by
medications or treatment;
the patient, families, friends or health care
caregivers.
People who need terminal care;
professionals. For any further inquiries
please contact Cindy Tucker, Director of
People who are cared for in their own
Admissions, Leeway, 40 Albert Street, New
homes by family or friends who are in
Haven, CT 06511 (203) 865-0068, fax
need of a short period of respite.
(203) 865-0399.
Board of Directors
President
Douglas Rae
Members
Anne Calabresi
Dominick Maldonado
Treasurer
Alfred Masciocchi
Elsie Cofield
Alvin Novick
Secretary
Catherine Gobes
Cathy J. Cohen
Elizabeth G. Pelz
William Dyson
Gregory J. Pepe, Esq.
Robert Hamilton
Annette P. Pettersen
Jean M. Handley
Anthony P. Scillia
Courtney H. Lyder
Gerald Spignesi
James MacDonald
Directions to the Leeway Facility
From downtown New Haven
From I-91
Head North on State Street. After passing the right hand turn
From Exit 6 (Willow Street, Blatchley Avenue Exit) turn left
to Middletown Ave. and Ferry Street take the second turn
onto Willow Street at the end of the ramp. Take the first left
right, at Costume Bazaar. The Leeway facility is the first
onto State Street. Head North on State Street and proceed as
building on your right, after Costume Bazaar.
directed from downtown New Haven.
eeway
40 Albert Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203 865-0068
203 865-0399 (fax)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1999
Nestor Djonkam
Chairman
Cameroonian-American Outreach
1730 K Street, NW #304
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Mr. Djonkam:
Thank you for your letter and request to meet with
the First Lady to discuss African development issues on
March 24.
Regrettably, because of Mrs. Clinton's demanding
schedule she will not be able to meet with you at this time.
Helping the nations of Africa to prosper is extremely
important. The First Lady would want me to convey her
appreciation to you and your colleagues for all your
important work to help the people of Africa.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Men Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
575 P01
@
Regrer
Cameroonian- American outreach
1730 K STREET, N.W. SUITE.304 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006
Tel:202.508.1043 Fax:202.331.3759 [email protected]
February 2, 1999
Mr Patty
Scheduling Office
of the first Lady
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Patty
discuss how to help the african children who have been victimized by war, and the
Cameroonian-American Outreach w'd like to request a meeting with the first Lady to
democratisation system in africa in the 21th century. Our mission is simply to educate
african natives to empower themselves and their community for the new century.
Cameroonian-American Outreach is a non-profit organization product of D.N.C.-
D.C.C.C. and D.S.C.C. C.A.O. consists of all african natives who sponsored their time
and money in the Anthony Williams D.C. Mayor campaign and election.
You can contact me at C.A.O. headquarters anytime at 202-508-1043 or cell phone
703-587-3128 to schedule a meeting on March 24, 1999. I anticipate hearing from you
soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
mester Djankam
Nestor Djonkam
Chairman, C.A.O.
Build Today for a better tomorrow.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 17, 1999
Sen. Christopher Dodd
444 Russell Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Dodd:
Thank you for forwarding Carroll Brown's invitation
for the First Lady to keynote the Greater Waterbury
Interfaith Ministries' Annual Breakfast on March 18 in
Waterbury, CT.
We have notified Mrs. Brown that the First Lady is
scheduled for events in Washington that day and will not be
able to attend the breakfast. Enclosed is a copy of the letter
for your records.
Very best wishes.
Sincerely,
The Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer
the First Lady
NO. 171
P.1
B.13.1999 12:49AM
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
CONNECTICUT
444 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
(202) 224-2823
-COMMITTEES:
TDD (202) 224-5464
BANKING, HOUSING. AND
URBAN AFFAIRS
United States Senate
STATE OFFICE:
100 GREAT MEADOW ROAD
FOREIGN RELATIONS
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0702
WETHERSPIELD, CT 06109
(860) 258-8940
LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
TDD (860) 529-7498
EMAIL: [email protected]
Home Page: www.senato.gov/-dodd
February 4, 1999
Evi Regrel
Ms. Melanne Vereveer
Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Room 100 OEOB
which keep
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
he AC
BY FACSIMILE
Dear Ms. Vereveer:
Permit me to refer to your attention, the enclosed correspondence
I recently received from Ms. Carroll E. Brown, Executive Director
of the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministeries of Waterbury,
Connecticut.
As you can see, Ms. Brown has written to me about an upcoming
fund-raising event in Connecticut. Ms. Brown has extended an
invitation to the First Lady to be the keynote speaker at their
first annual Kick-Off Breakfast in March of 1999.
I certainly understand the lateness of this notice, and the many
pressing demands on the First Lady's schedule. However, I do
wish to pass along my constituent's request and I trust it will
receive appropriate consideration.
Thank you very much for your attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Leivam
CHRISTOPHER J. DODD
United States Senator
Enclosures
in reply: Connecticut Office
Attn: Kirsten Pflomm
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
NO. 171
P.2
B.13.1999 12:49AM
GREATER WATERBURY INTERFAITH MINISTRIES, INC.
84 Crown Street
Waterbury, CT 06704
(203) 756-7831
(203) 419-0024 (fax)
January 28, 1999
Dear Senator Dodd,
As the Executive Director of The Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, Inc.,
I am in the midst of planning our Capital Campaign first fund-raiser. We were formerly
the Waterbury Area Council of churches, and on Saturday, January 30, 1999, this
organization will be 65 years old.
I am writing both you and Rosa DeLauro and enclosing a letter I've written to
our First Lady asking her to be the Keynote speaker at our first annual Kick-off
Breakfast in March. I am leading an organization that runs hunger programs, and this
event will be the fund-raiser that will help us feed the poor, restock our shelves, and
assist with fuel and energy.
I am requesting that you drop Hilary a personal note to encourage her to attend.
If this date is not good for her, we will schedule this event at her convenience. That's
how importantit is for me to have her as our Keynoter. Please do what you can to make
this happen Senator Dodd I will be so grateful for your intervention.
Lawell Carroll Sincerely, E. Brown Brown
Executive Director
P.S.
I love my job Chris. This is indeed where I belong (smile). Helping the poor and
disadvantaged is so rewarding.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 2, 1999
Jennifer L. Dorn
President
The National Health Museum
1331 H St., NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Ms. Dorn:
Thank you for your letter on the Health Museum.
It is not yet certain whether the First Lady will be able
to meet with Dr. C. Everett Koop in April. But I have
forwarded your request to Patti Solis Doyle, Director of
Scheduling for the First Lady. As plans for the spring are
developed, her office will be in touch.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
w
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
MAR.11.1999 7:26PM HOSPICE CARE OF DC
NO.445
P.1/2
the
national
Copy to:
to:
R
health
museum
...exporience what's next
Pathi Ask he'd
she was
FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION 202/456-6244
DATE: March 11, 1999 TIME: 7:22PM PAGES inc. cover 2
to must
TO: Melanne Verveer
FR: Mark Dunham, National Health Museum
PH: 202/347-1894
REMARKS:
win Koof Anrial
Dear Ms. Verveer:
Attached is a letter from Jenna Dorn, President of the National Health Museum, which
Dr. Koop, Chair of the Museum suggested be sent to you directly. Last November, Dr.
Koop wrote Mrs. Clinton requesting an opportunity to meet to discuss the progress of
the National Health Museum. We would still greatly appreciate such a meeting.
Could a member of your staff contact me at 347-1894 to let me know if a meeting can
be arranged. I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Thank you very much
Marl Omba
Mark Dunham
Director of External Affairs
MAR. 11.1999 7:26PM
HOSPICE CARE OF DC
NO. 445
P.2/2
the
ational
health
museum
experience what's next
March 9, 1999
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
C. everett koop, md, sed
chair
Jennifer I. dorn
Dear Ms. Verveer:
president
It was my great pleasure to be present last Friday for Mrs. Clinton's remarks before the
1331 h street, nw, suite 600
Washington Business Journal's Philanthropy Breakfast. Her perspective on the role of
washington, dc 20005
the philanthropic community in the revitalization of the District was so impressive-
202.737.2670
eloquent and inspiring, with a fine touch of humor. Given the impact the National Health fax 202.347.4285
Museum will have on the health education of District youth and on the lives and health of
District residents of all ages, I found her comments to be particularly significant.
It was almost one year ago that Mrs. Clinton joined Dr. C. Everett Koop, and a bipartisan
audience of 300, on Capitol Hill for the celebratory launch of the Health Museum. Since
that evening, March 18, 1998, we have made tremendous progress in every area of the
project's development - including our private sector fundraising, the identification of a
Museum site at the National Mall, our plans for a health conference center and a targeted
health education program for teachers and students in the District, as well as a website
that will serve the nation's K-12 health educators.
One particularly exciting recent development has been our selection of the world-
renowned architect Moshe Safdie to design the new Museum facility. Moshe has also
been commissioned to design another new institution of great purpose: the Rabin Center
in Israel. In fact, as you may know, he will be at the White House on March 18 for an
event the President and Mrs. Clinton are hosting for the Center and Mrs. Leah Rabin.
We are delighted that the architect for the new Museum is also working on a project that
holds such meaning for the Clintons and for all of us who value the incomparable legacy
of Mr. Rabin, It is my hope that we will have an opportunity to visit with Mrs. Clinton,
either while Moshe is in Washington on March 18 or perhaps in April when Dr. Koop is
next here, to discuss the Museum's exciting progress. Dr. Koop has been particularly
hopeful for some time that such a meeting could be scheduled.
We appreciate Mrs. Clinton's support for the Museum and look forward to the
opportunity to apprise her of the momentum behind this initiative. We believe the
Museum will be an extraordinary resource for the District and will make a very real
difference in the health and wellbeing of our nation.
President Jennifer Jenna Sincerely, L. Dom Dan
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 10, 1999
Professor Norman Dorsen
School of Law
New York University
40 Washington Square, South
New York, NY 10012
Dear Norman:
Thank you for your note and the clips about the
Jefferson Center's Muzzle Awards. They took me back to my
"People For" days and all the challenges on speech issues. I
shall pass them along!
Thanks again to the extraordinary privilege to
participate in the Tutu events. I'm glad it all worked out and it
was a special treat for the First Lady. It was very nice to see
you in New York. Best wishes and please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
New York University
A private university in the public service
School of Law
40 Washington Square South
New York, N.Y. 10012
Tel: (212) 998-6233
Fax: (212) 995-4030
Norman Dorsen
May 3, 1999
Stokes Professor of Law
Dear Melanne 1
The enclosed may
interest you
how
Gord to fee yr in NYC.
I
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The Thomas Jefferson Center for
the Protection of Free Expression
April 27, 1999
PROTECT THE RIGHT VOISSTRACY OF FREE
To: The Board of Trustees
ongress shall makenolaw...
From: Robert M. O'Neil
abridging the freedom of speech,
orof the press... THE TAMENDMENT
Re: Preliminary Report on Muzzle Release and Coverage
Robert M. O'Neil
Founding Director
Though it's been just two weeks since the release of our 1999
Jefferson Muzzle Awards, this is certainly not too soon to report to you
the excellent coverage we received in several different media. Our
highly effective publicity effort was orchestrated once again by Josh
Wheeler, who this year bore a disproportionate share of the analysis
and preparation of the Muzzle copy (the complete and final text of
which is enclosed). As in prior years, we were aided once again by
the very careful checking and scrutiny of Bill Choyke, our former staff
member who is now at the Nashville Tennessean.
The enclosures exemplify the broad and varied coverage in the
print media. We know of additional stories of which we have not yet
obtained copies, but will have for you at the June 14 Board meeting.
Radio reached many more communities and people this year, as you
will see from the enclosed tabulations. And it was on radio that an
400 Peter Jefferson Place
obviously flustered Mayor Giuliani, when asked about the Muzzle by
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911-8691
Telephone: 804-295-4784
an alert CBS news reporter, described the Center as an "out-of-control
Fax: 804-296-3621
E-Mail: [email protected]
advocacy group!" We are thinking of new T-shirts bearing that
http://www.tjcenter.org
message, with proper attribution.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Judith G. Clabes
Scripps Howard Foundation
The complete text of the Muzzles appeared on our website as
Norman Dorsen
April 13 dawned -- once again through Josh's heroic midnight vigil.
New York University
School of Law, Lawyers
We've had roughly 6000 hits in the past two weeks, many of which
Committee for Human Rights
probably targeted the Muzzles, linked as they are to and through many
Edwin M. Freakley
Worrell Enterprises, Inc.
other websites. We will give you a fuller account of website usage at
James J. Kilpatrick
Universal Press Syndicate
the June meeting. In advance of that gathering, we will be reporting
Julie G. Lynn
on many other Center activities during what has been a busy and
Fresh Produce Films
productive winter and spring here.
Ruby Grant Martin
Attorney at Law
Stanley E. Preiser
Preiser Law Offices
enclosures
Richard A. Roth
Motion Picture Producer
Bruce W. Sanford
Baker and Hostetler
The Thomas Jefferson Center for
the Protection of Free Expression
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
PROTECT AND PRESENTE THE RIGHT NOISSAN OF FREE
Contact -- Josh Wheeler 804-295-4784
ongress shall make no law...
CENSURED FOR BEING CENSORS:
abridging the freedom of speech,
orof the press.. THE FIRSTAMENDMENT
New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Public
Schools that Censor Off-Campus Speech Among List of
Robert M. O'Neil
Founding Director
"Winners" of Dubious Honor
The eighth annual Jefferson Muzzles were announced today by the
Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression. Released each
year on Thomas Jefferson's birthday, the Muzzles are awarded to those
individuals or organizations that have done grievous harm to free expression in
the preceding year.
An added feature to this year's awards is the conferral of the first
LIFETIME JEFFERSON MUZZLE on NEW YORK CITY MAYOR
RUDY GIULIANI. A Jefferson Muzzle winner last year for attempting to
remove an advertisement satirizing him from city buses, Mayor Giuliani has often
demonstrated a consistent disregard of First Amendment principles, including
efforts to prohibit parades, firing police officers for appearing in blackface while
off-duty, and limiting artists from displaying their works on city property.
This year's 12 Jefferson Muzzles are the largest number in the history of
the awards. This increase is due in part to a rising tide of censorship in public
schools, the focus of three of this year's Muzzles. One particularly alarming
400 Peter Jefferson Place
trend is school attempts to discipline students who, on their home computers,
Charlottesville, Virginia 22911-86
Telephone: 804-295-4784
create Internet webpages critical of school officials or teachers.
Fax: 804-296-3621
E-Mail: [email protected]
http://www.tjcenter.org
The director of the Thomas Jefferson Center, Robert M. O'Neil, states
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
that through the Muzzles the Center hopes to call greater attention to acts that
Judith G. Clabes
curb free expression, often because of personal whim or bias, in times or places
Scripps Howard Foundation
where free expression is vital. "Censors often set out with the best of motives,
Norman Dorsen
and no intent to restrict speech. Somewhere along the way, they lose sight of one
New York University
School of Law, Lawyers
set of values -- those embodied in the First Amendment -- in an effort to serve
Committee for Human Rights
others. When a person or group does grave damage to free expression, a
Edwin M. Freakley
Worrell Enterprises, Inc.
Jefferson Muzzle is in order."
James J. Kilpatrick
Universal Press Syndicate
In addition to Mayor Giuliani, the 1999 Jefferson Muzzle recipients are:
Julie G. Lynn
Fresh Produce Films
Ruby Grant Martin
Woodland School District, Marble Hill, Missouri for suspending a student at
Attorney at Law
Woodland High School for creating an internet webpage on his personal
Stanley E. Preiser
computer that was critical of school officials and teachers.
Preiser Law Offices
Richard A. Roth
Motion Picture Producer
Bruce W. Sanford
Baker and Hostetler
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr for issuing a subpoena to a bookstore to turn over
two and a half years of records relating to Monica Lewinsky's book purchases.
U.S. Representative Robert L. Barr for an amendment to the D.C. budget bill which
prohibited the tabulation and reporting of the votes cast in a medical marijuana ballot
initiative.
WJLA Television, the Washington, D.C. affiliate of ABC, for refusing to run an anti-
Clinton ad produced by the conservative group, American Renewal, but agreeing to run a
pro-Clinton ad produced by the liberal People for the American Way.
Judge Gregory K. McClintock and attorney Stuart R. Lefstein who, as two members
of a three-member inquiry committee of the Illinois State Bar, refused to admit an
applicant to the bar because of his white supremacist views.
The Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for attempting to ban publishers
from selling do-it-yourself legal manuals on divorce, wills, copyrights, etc., on the grounds
that the manuals violated a regulation prohibiting the practice of law without a license.
The Louisiana Supreme Court for passing new regulations severely limiting student law
clinics from providing free legal assistance.
The Arenac County (Michigan) Prosecutor's Office for prosecuting a man under a
forgotten 101-year-old state law prohibiting swearing in front of women and children.
Timothy Dawson, Principal of Killian High School, Miami Florida for his
overreaction to an underground student publication in which the principal was portrayed
unflatteringly. In addition to suspending and later expelling the nine students responsible
for the publication, Dawson had the "Killian Nine" arrested.
Pinellas County School District, Tampa, Florida for prohibiting the use of the Starr
Report and Clinton's grand jury testimony in a high school American Government class
despite receiving written permission from the parents of all the students in the class.
West Virginia University Athletic Department for threatening a fan with arrest if he did
not take down a banner at a home football game that was humorously critical of the West
Virginia football coach.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression of Charlottesville,
Virginia, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution engaged in education, research, and
intervention on behalf of the individual right of free expression. For more information,
visit the Center's website at www.tjcenter.org.
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
"Who would have dreamed that the Mayor would object to more publicity?"
-- United States District Judge Shira Scheindelin, ruling that New York City
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's administration violated the First Amendment by
ordering city buses not to display paid ads containing a gentle if critical spoof of
the Mayor
For a consistent and pervasive pattern of unprecedented of threats to, and curbs on,
freedom of speech and press in many different forms -- most of them struck down by
courts on First Amendment grounds -- the very first Lifetime Jefferson Muzzle goes to
New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani
Especially since his decisive re-election in 1997, New York City Mayor Rudolph
Giuliani views freedom of expression as a special threat to his administration. He has
stifled speech and press to so unprecedented a degree, and in so many and varied forms,
that simply keeping up with the city's censorious activity has proved a challenge for
defenders of free expression. One such watchdog, the American Civil Liberties Union,
has brought no fewer than twelve First Amendment suits against the mayor and the city in
the late 1990s, and has won all but one of those cases.
This singular assault on expression has, in fact, caused the Thomas Jefferson
Center this year to create a new form of reproof -- the Lifetime Jefferson Muzzle. In the
Mayor's case, the particulars are as chilling as they are novel. Notably, the Giuliani
Administration has shown its disregard for -- or inadequate understanding of -- free
speech principles by --
-- refusing to permit more than 20 taxi drivers to assemble for a protest against
proposed city pick-up and drop-off rules (a federal judge ruled that action
unconstitutional)
-- imposing strict licensing rules on sidewalk artists, and limiting severely the
number of such artists who could display their work near the Metropolitan Museum of
Art (a policy struck down by the federal court of appeals as a violation of artists' rights);
-- imposing a $45 a day permit fee on street musicians, which a federal district
judge held excessive and far beyond any actual city costs;
-- barring city employees from talking to reporters without specific approval - a
policy which the federal appeals court found in violation of public workers' free speech
rights;
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
-- directing the transit authority not to display on city buses ads bought by New
York Magazine which contained a gentle if critical caricature of the mayor's quest for
publicity (an order held by federal district and appeals courts to be in violation of the
First Amendment);
-- barring a Lutheran church group from demonstrating and conducting an AIDS
education program in a city park (a ban which a New York state appellate court held in
clear violation of free speech);
-- using city licensing power to terminate the franchises of certain newsstands and
raising the fees for other newsstands on the basis of the content of publications they carry
(a policy that was partly invalidated by a federal judge, ruling that newsstand operators
do have First Amendment rights and that the city's claimed too much discretion in the
standards it had set);
-- refusing a permit for a parade or march designed to protest police brutality (a
federal judge, ruling that the permit denial violated free speech, implied that the action
had reflected the city's objection to the subject matter);
-- suspending and later firing a city police officer who appeared in blackface,
while off duty and in civilian dress, taking part in an undeniably racist skit on a Labor
day parade float (a suit on behalf of the police officer, and two fire fighters suspended for
the same acts, is still pending in federal court)
-- barring most public events -- starting with a rally to commemorate World AIDS
Day -- from being held on then steps of City Hall, which had long been a forum for such
expressive gatherings (a policy promptly struck down by a federal district judge on free
speech grounds);
The Giuliani Administration advances the politically plausible claim of seeking a
safer, cleaner and more hospitable New York City. Yet by adopting draconian measures
of the type that have been described here -- measures that were, almost without
exception, struck down by the courts on free speech grounds -- Mayor Giuliani and his
administration have bought civility and order at far too high a price. For the collective
impact of such an unprecedented -- and unprincipled -- assault upon First Amendment
values, the very first Lifetime Jefferson Muzzle goes to Mayor Giuliani and his
administration.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"Disliking or being upset by the content of a student's speech is not an acceptable
justification for limiting student speech...."
Rodney W. Sippel, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri
For suspending a student because he created a private webpage critical of his high school,
a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
Woodland School District, Marble Hill, Missouri
While at his home one day in February, 1998, sixteen-year-old Brandon Beussink
created a webpage and posted it on the Internet. The webpage was highly critical of
Woodland High School, the school in Marble Hill, Missouri, that Beussink attended.
Specifically, Beussink used vulgar language to convey his opinion regarding the teachers,
principal and the school's webpage. When Beussink's webpage was brought to the
attention of school officials, they were not amused. He was told to remove the webpage
and he complied. He was then suspended from school for 10 days. In May, as a result of
the days missed because of the suspension, the high school failed Beussink in all of his
classes, making it impossible for him to graduate with his classmates in June 1999.
High school students' not-so-nice comments about teachers and principals are
neither uncommon nor new. Students today, however, have the means to disseminate
their sentiments to a large audience easily via the Internet. One consequence of this
wider dissemination is that more and more school officials are learning what students are
saying about them and they are often not pleased.
The incident involving Brandon Beussink is just one example of a recent trend of
public school attempts to discipline students for expression on the Internet. While
officials may well be upset by having derogatory comments about them widely
disseminated, the fact remains that such expression is taking place off school property
where school officials have no authority over students. In recent incidents in Ohio and
Texas, administrators who initially disciplined students for their off-campus Internet
expression quickly recanted, recognizing they were overstepping their authority.
Not so with Woodland School District. When Beussink decided to challenge the school's
action, his attorney initially tried to negotiate a non-litigious solution by which Beussink's
grades could be restored thereby permitting him to graduate on time. School officials
were not interested. Indeed, in response to one inquiry, the school district's attorney
stated Beussink should "suck it up" and "take his punishment like a man."
Beussink's attorney, ACLU volunteer Stephen M. Ryals, then filed suit in federal
court seeking a preliminary injunction requiring the school to remove the suspension and
any of its effects from Beussink's record. On December 28, 1998, the court issued the
injunction against the school. In announcing his decision, United States District Judge
Rodney Sippel stated that "[d]isliking or being upset by the content of a student's speech
is not an acceptable is not an acceptable justification for limiting the student speech" --
especially when the speech does not take place in the school. For attempting to control
the off-campus expression of its students, Woodland School District earns a 1999
Jefferson Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"Ken Starr made a mistake when he asserted that there was no difference between
bookstore records and the records of a hardware store. The difference is the First
Amendment."
-- Christopher Finan, president of the American Booksellers Association
Foundation for Free Expression
For issuing a subpoena to a bookstore demanding to see the records of Monica
Lewinsky's book purchases for a two and a half year period, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle
goes to
Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr
During Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr's investigation of President
Clinton, it was reported that Monica Lewinsky had given several books as gifts to the
President. Mr. Starr could have verified the accuracy of this report in a number of ways.
Unfortunately, the course of action he chose was the least sensitive to the principles of
the First Amendment.
Judge Starr served a subpoena on the two bookstores from which Ms. Lewinsky
most likely purchased the books. But rather than requesting information on the specific
books Ms. Lewinsky had given to the president, Starr's subpoena demanded the records
for all of Ms. Lewinsky's book purchases over the previous two and a half years. Citing
the privacy rights of its customers, Kramerbooks & Afterwords --one of the bookstores
targeted in the subpoena -- sought to have the motion quashed.
Although United States District Court Judge Norma Holloway Johnson denied the
motion, she did substantially narrow the scope of the subpoena. Judge Johnson ruled that
a prosecutor must show a "compelling need for the information sought" and "a sufficient
connection between the information sought and the grand jury investigation."
Accordingly, Judge Starr was denied much of what he sought from the bookstores.
Nonetheless, even providing a limited amount of information on its customers was too
much for Kramerbooks & Afterwords and it planned an appeal of Judge Johnson's ruling.
The issue became moot however. The subpoena was withdrawn after lawyers for Monica
Lewinsky agreed to provide Judge Starr with information about her book purchases --
something they had offered to do before Judge Johnson's decision.
The Thomas Jefferson Center takes no position on the substantive content or
conclusions of Judge Starr's investigation of President Clinton. The basis of this Muzzle
is solely a free expression concern articulated by Supreme Court Justice William Douglas
and quoted by Judge Johnson in her ruling: "[O]nce the government can demand of a
publisher the names of the purchasers of his publications, the free press as we know it
disappears." Justice Douglas was right. If prosecutors are allowed ready access to
information showing an individual's reading selections, people will no longer feel free in
choosing what to read for fear their choices may someday be used against them. There
remains legal uncertainty whether information on an individual's book purchases is
immune from subpoena in all circumstances, but the chilling effect of such subpoenas is
undeniable. As such, prosecutors should seek such information only if absolutely
necessary and in as limited a manner as possible. Judge Starr's subpoena was both
unnecessary and sought information far beyond the scope of his investigation. For failing
to consider the chilling effect his subpoena would have on the exercise of the right of free
speech, Judge Starr earns a 1999 Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"I am offended that my own vote cannot be counted."
-- John Ferren, Washington, D.C. Corporation Counsel
For his amendment to the D.C. budget bill which prohibited the tabulation and reporting of the votes
cast in a ballot initiative, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
U.S. Representative Robert L. Barr
In November 1998, 137,523 citizens of the District of Columbia voted on Initiative 59. This
initiative, similar to measures already adopted in Alaska, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington
state, would legalize the possession and distribution of marijuana for medical use by seriously ill
patients. Although six months have passed since the vote, the results are still unknown. The D.C.
Board of Elections and Ethics must keep the results secret or face being in contempt of Congress.
Two weeks before the election, Congress tacked onto a D.C. budget bill an amendment
prohibiting the D.C. government from spending any money whatsoever on Initiative 59. The
amendment was introduced by Representative Robert L. Barr, of Georgia, who claimed in support of
this ban that the taxpayers in his district should not have to subsidize drug legalization in the District
of Columbia.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit, originally against the D.C. Board of Elections,
claiming that refusal to release the results is a violation of the voters' First Amendment rights.
However, D.C. Corporation Counsel John M. Ferren, whose job it is to defend the city in lawsuits,
concluded that the ACLU's position is correct. The U.S. Department of Justice is now representing
the side claiming that the voices of the D.C. citizens need not be heard.
U.S. Representatives are elected to enact the will of the people, not to silence it.
Nevertheless, this is exactly what Robert Barr sought to do. Even if the laws were not changed, the
release of the results itself could have an effect on the political climate. Democracy allows for, and
even encourages, the airing of different views which could stimulate discussion, and, in turn, spur
action. By preventing tabulation of the vote on the medical marijuana measure, Barr is suppressing
the voices of individuals with viewpoints different from his own and from some of his district
members. His attempt to impede the democratic process shows a blatant disregard for the rights of
the D.C. citizens to make their voices heard through the most critical form of political expression --
voting.
This Muzzle reflects no view on the propriety of using marijuana for medical purposes.
Rather, this Jefferson Muzzle is about the right to be heard. For refusing to even listen to the voters
of Washington, D.C., a 1999 Muzzle goes to U.S. Representative Robert L. Barr.
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
"Who cares if everyone lies?
President Clinton should put our country and our children
first
[by resigning after the Monica Lewinsky scandal]"
-- American Renewal President Gary Bauer, in videotaped messages for which
television time was sought in the fall of 1998
For refusing to broadcast an anti-Clinton advertisement produced by the conservative group
American Renewal, while agreeing to broadcast a pro-Clinton ad produced by the liberal group
People for the American Way, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
WJLA-TV, The Washington, DC, affiliate of ABC
In October, 1998, as the House of Representatives began addressing the Referral of the
Independent Counsel in the Monica Lewinsky matter, the conservative organization American
Renewal and its president, Gary Bauer, prepared a videotaped message that called upon President
Clinton to "put our country and our children first" and to resign his office.
The tape was critical of the President, chiefly in regard to the handling of the Lewinsky
matter, and posed such rhetorical questions such as, "Who cares if everyone lies?" American
Renewal asked several Washington television stations to run the ad. About the same time,
People for the American Way prepared and submitted to the same stations an ad which supported
the President, and closed by urging viewers to "Tell Starr & Co. it's time for America to move
on."
Two of the stations -- the NBC and CBS affiliates -- declined to run either ad. But
WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate, accepted and aired the People for the American Way ad while
refusing to provide air time for the American Renewal message. This station offered no
explanation for the differential treatment of the two messages.
The contrasting approaches to the two politically oriented messages is striking. A private
publisher (including a licensed television broadcaster) may of course accept or reject any
particular paid advertisement. Yet such manifest inconsistency, apparently on the basis of
political viewpoint, is reprehensible -- especially in view of the alternative approach, which two
other Washington stations adopted, of rejecting both anti- and pro-Clinton ads submitted at the
same time on the same volatile public question. The station's failure to offer any explanation for
its disparate treatment of the two messages compounds the problem.
For an act of private, non-governmental, censorship, WJLA-TV merits a 1999 Jefferson
Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"We are repulsed by Matt Hale, but we respect the principle of free speech and believe he is
entitled to spew his venom without restriction."
-- The Anti-Defamation League's Chicago regional director,
Richard Hirschhaut
For refusing to admit an applicant to the Illinois State Bar on the basis of the applicant's white
supremacist views, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
Judge Gregory K. McClintock and Attorney Stuart R. Lefstein
Matthew Hale graduated from the Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1998 and
passed the state bar exam. The next step to becoming an attorney was to receive certification of
his moral character. Every year, a handful of people fail to receive such certification because of
past incidents of cheating, criminal convictions, or refusal to pay debts Matthew Hale, however,
was denied certification of his moral character because of his beliefs. Hale is an admitted racist,
anti-Semite, and leader of the World Church of the Creator, a white supremacist group. He
believes the idea of equality between races to be "patently absurd." He reportedly advocates the
deportation of all nonwhites as the solution to America's racial problems.
In Illinois, if an applicant to the bar is not certified for admission, the application is
assigned to a three-person inquiry panel for further review. In his interview with the panel, Hale
stated that his beliefs do not encompass change through anything other than peaceful and legal
means. When asked whether he would adhere to laws prohibiting discriminatory treatment on the
basis of race, Hale replied that he would as long as that was the law. Furthermore, when Hale
worked as a law clerk, employers said that he had not displayed any racist behavior toward clients
of other races.
The inquiry panel described Hale as "extremely polite," "intelligent and articulate." It
reported asking Hale how he could in good conscience support the constitutions of the United
States and Illinois. The panel stated he "unhesitatingly answered he would have no difficulty even
though, based on his beliefs, he obviously would be in substantial disagreement with current
interpretations of the constitutions. He likened his situation to that of a judge or jury whose duty
is to follow the law even though they may disagree with it." Despite's Hale's commitment to
follow the law, inquiry panel members Judge Gregory K. McClintock and attorney Stuart R.
Lefstein voted not to certify his application. As a result of the denial, Hale's application will next
go before a five-member Hearing Panel of the Illinois State Bar.
Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis wrote that "the greatest dangers to liberty lurk in
insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding." Judge
McClintock and Mr. Lefstein understandably find Hale's belief's repugnant, but they have
forgotten that under the First Amendment one may be punished only for illegal action and not for
the way one thinks. Matthew Hale promised to support the Constitution even when it is in
conflict with his personal beliefs. Ironically, by denying Hale certification on the basis of his
beliefs, Judge McClintock and Mr. Lefstein are acting contrary to the principles of the
Constitution they swore to support when they sought admission to the Illinois Bar. For this, they
are awarded a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"It's not hyperbole at all to say this could be the beginning of a process by an arm of the
[Texas] Supreme Court to ban books."
-- Peter Kennedy, attorney for Nolo Press
For attempting to ban publishers from selling do-it-yourself legal manuals, a 1999 Jefferson
Muzzle goes to
The Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
Prohibitions exist in every state to prevent people from practicing law without a license.
However, the state of Texas takes its prohibition much further than other states. Texas enforces
its policy against books and reference materials.
Since 1997, the Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee has targeted the
publishers of legal do-it-yourself materials. The Committee, appointed by the Texas Supreme
Court, believes that books and software that assist non-lawyers in doing their own legal work
constitute "the practice of law." Accordingly, the Committee is attempting to protect Texas
citizens from themselves by denying them access to do-it-yourself law manuals.
The Committee's first target was a software program known as Quicken Family Lawyer,
distributed by Parsons Technology, Inc. The Committee investigated Parsons and, subsequently,
filed a complaint in federal district court. In January, 1999, U.S. District Judge Barefoot Sanders
ruled that Quicken Family Lawyer was not reference material but a "cyberlawyer" that
constituted, in essence, practicing law without a license. The judge has stayed the effect of his
ruling pending his decision on Parsons' motion to reconsider.
Nolo Press, Inc. has also been brought under investigation by the Committee. Nolo is a
California firm with nearly 30 years of experience in publishing self-help law books. In response to
the investigation, Nolo has filed a lawsuit in Texas state court seeking a ruling that its books and
software do not practice law and, more importantly, are constitutionally protected speech. Nolo's
suit has been joined by the Texas Library Association and the American Association of Law
Libraries. The case is pending.
The Committee argues that it is trying to protect Texas consumers. But there has been no
evidence of any harm caused by the self-help legal manuals. Nor has it been alleged that the
information contained in the self-help legal manuals is in any respect incorrect. Thus, the
difference between self-help legal manuals and standard legal reference works does not appear to
concern the information contained in the materials, but rather the presentation of that information.
Standard legal reference materials often present their information in a manner that is
indecipherable by anyone other than a lawyer. It therefore appears that the Committee is actually
protecting Texas lawyers from competition rather than protecting the Texas consumer from
possible harm. The Texas Committee has forgotten that the First Amendment not only guarantees
the right of free speech but also guarantees the right to hear that speech. For ignoring the First
Amendment rights of publishers and consumers, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to the Texas
Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee.
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 1999
"[The Tulane University Environmental Law Clinic] is a bunch of modern-day vigilantes who
are just making up reasons to run business out of the state."
-- Louisiana Governor Mike Foster, urging tighter regulation of the activities of
legal clinics in environmental matters, which the Louisiana Supreme Court
eventually adopted.
For imposing on university law school legal clinics and their role in public interest litigation the
most restrictive rules in the nation, stifling protected advocacy, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
The Supreme Court of Louisiana
Tulane University's Environmental Law Clinic had taken on, as a public service, the plea
of a group of poor, African American residents of St. James Parish who were increasingly
troubled by a chemical company's plan to build a plastics plant near their homes. The students
who comprised the clinic's staff persuaded the United States Environmental Protection Agency to
delay issuance of the permit for the plant. Business leaders and the state's governor were
outraged, and soon voiced sharp criticism of the clinic's role; the governor even threatened to
challenge specific Tulane University tax exemptions.
The focus quickly shifted to the Louisiana Supreme Court, which in 1971 had approved
the role of student advocates in creating such legal clinics. The court responded by issuing, in
June, 1998, a highly restrictive set of regulations that limited drastically the people or groups
which clinics could represent. After law school officials vigorously protested, the court modified
the rule -- deleting, for example, a section that would have forbidden clinics to provide legal
information to potential clients.
Even the modified regulations are, however, the most restrictive in the nation. They limit
client eligibility along economic lines -- essentially confining the approved clientele to
impoverished individuals and small groups that speak for them. The new rule would, for example,
bar the clinic from continuing to represent its oldest client, the Louisiana Environmental Action
Network. The need at the outset to assess individual income -- more precisely, poverty -- could
severely chill the lawyer-client relationship and the effectiveness of clinic representation. The
rules were again modified in March, 1999, though the most onerous provisions remain in force.
Legal clinics have long provided an effective voice -- often the only voice -- for indigent
people and groups. The U.S. Supreme Court long ago recognized access to courts in public
interest matters as a vital First Amendment right. For stifling that voice and that right in
Louisiana, the state's Supreme Court merits a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"It's really bizarre being famous for swearing."
Timothy Boomer, currently being prosecuted in Arenac County, Michigan, for
cussing when he fell out of his canoe and into the Rifle River
For prosecuting a man under a 101-year-old law prohibiting swearing in front of women
and children, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
The Arenac County (Michigan) Prosecutor's Office
On August 15, 1998, 24-year-old Timothy Boomer and friends were enjoying a
day of canoeing on the Rifle River in northern Michigan. At one point, Mr. Boomer
accidentally fell into the river, much to the amusement of his friends. Mr. Boomer's initial
reaction to being drenched was not amusement, however, and as he emerged from the
water he shouted a number of crude expletives. Shortly after the outburst, Boomer's
party rounded a bend in the river and found three sheriff's deputies waiting for them. One
of the deputies handed Boomer a citation charging him with a misdemeanor. The charge:
violating a 101-year-old Michigan statute prohibiting profanity in front of women and
children, a crime which carries a penalty of a $100 fine and up to 90 days in jail. The
charges are pending.
Although there were no children in the Boomer party, apparently there were
youths within hearing distance of his shouting. The Arenac County Prosecutor's Office
argues that society should not have to tolerate individuals swearing in front of children.
"Maybe in New York City, said assistant prosecutor Richard Vollbach, "but certainly not
in Standish, Michigan."
In fact, in numerous cases the United States Supreme Court has overturned
criminal convictions for public swearing. While few might condone verbal tirades such as
Mr. Boomer's, does such behavior truly warrant being labeled as criminal in a free
society? Since August, Timothy Boomer has had the prospect of a jail term hanging over
him. If he is convicted, he will have to answer "Yes" to every employment application
that asks if he has ever been found guilty of a criminal offense. All of this for a moment of
verbal indiscretion.
More disturbingly, the conviction of Timothy Boomer would be an endorsement of
the notion that the government has the authority to determine which words we can use in
every day life. By prosecuting Mr. Boomer, the Arenac County's Prosecutor's Office is
displaying an unwarranted confidence in its ability to determine what is appropriate speech
for the citizens of its county. This belief completely disregards the declaration of the
United States Supreme Court that "one man's vulgarity is another's lyric. Indeed, we
think it is largely because governmental officials cannot make principled distinctions in this
area that the Constitution leaves matters of taste and style so largely to the individual."
For its presumptuous belief that it can cleanse public debate to that which is grammatically
palatable to the most squeamish among us, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to the Arenac
County Prosecutor's Office.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"This is an extreme overreaction. I've never heard of high school students being jailed
for distributing a pamphlet."
Mark Goodman, executive director of the Student Press Law Center
For overreacting to an offensive student publication by having nine students arrested and
later expelled, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
Principal Timothy Dawson of Killian High School,
Miami, Florida
In February, 1998, nine students at Killian High School in Miami, Florida,
published an underground newspaper entitled First Amendment. The 20 page paper
included racial slurs, profanity, graphic sexual references and several crude cartoons.
Through shock and satire, the publication expressed criticism of school officials,
classmates, cheerleaders and others associated with the school. Included in the issue was
a picture of Killian principal Timothy Dawson with a large dart in his head. In one of the
newsletter's several essays, a student wrote "I have often wondered what would happen if
I shot Dawson in the head and other teachers who have pissed me off or shoot (sic) the
(expletive) bastard who thought I looked at him wrong or the airheaded chearleader (sic)
who is more concerned about what layer of Revlon she's putting on." The students
reportedly distributed 300 copies of First Amendment at the high school.
It was predictable that the students would receive some sort of internal
disciplinary action. Public school officials have to be given the discretion to determine
what materials may be distributed on campus. But Principal Dawson looked to off-
campus authorities to punish the students. After determining the students responsible for
the publication, Dawson called the police and had the students arrested, saying: "They
have threatened to kill me." All nine of the students were taken to jail where they spent
the night. One female student was strip searched. The students -- five girls and four boys
-- were charged under a 1945 Florida "hate crime" law, but not for long. Local officials
refused to prosecute the students, saying the law under which they were charged was
"unconstitutional and unenforceable." Dawson expelled all nine students when the
charges were dropped.
It is understandable that Principal Dawson was upset at the content of the
publication, but to have the students arrested and later expelled was an extreme
overreaction. Though violence or actual threats in schools must be taken seriously, it is
difficult to believe that Principal Dawson sincerely viewed the publication as a threat
against his life. Indeed, he first saw the publication on a Friday, but did not report it to the
police until the following Monday. Carl Hiaasen, a columnist for the Miami Herald,
recommended that the students be held accountable by keeping them in the classroom
and having them hear from those they insulted, including Dawson. "What better
opportunity for all the students at Killian to learn about the power of the written word,
and the responsibility that goes with it?" For being blinded to this educational
opportunity by his wounded feelings, Principal Timothy Dawson earns a 1999 Jefferson
Muzzle.
Embargoed for release until Tuesday, April 13, 1999
"I don't think that someone who loves the Constitution, and loves teaching as much as I
do, can stand by and not question this."
-- Linda Manning, East Lake High School Social Studies Teacher
For banning the use of the Starr Report and President's Clinton's grand jury testimony in a
high school American Government class, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
The Pinellas County (Florida) School District
For Linda Manning, a Pinellas County, Florida, high school teacher with 26 years
experience, the events of 1998 provided a unique opportunity to make the subject matter
come alive for the 18 students in her American Government class. For the first time in
American history, a sitting president had testified in a grand jury proceeding and faced
impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice. President Clinton's grand jury
testimony and Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr's Referral to Congress dominated
newspaper and television news coverage. The students in Manning's advanced level,
college credit course were daily asking her questions about the events in Washington.
Manning decided to use the Clinton testimony and the Starr Report as part of the
material for the class. Recognizing that some students might be offended by the sexually
explicit nature of the material, Manning required the 17 seniors and 1 junior in her class
to get written permission from their parents to use the materials. None of the parents of
the 18 students objected. The parents' decisions may have been based in part on the fact
that their children (many of whom were old enough to vote) had already been exposed to
the material through extensive media coverage. Nonetheless, the Pinellas County School
District must have felt it knew better than Manning and the students' parents -- it banned
the use of Clinton's testimony and the Starr Report in Manning's class.
Manning has challenged the ban in a federal lawsuit against the school board.
The suit is backed by the Pinellas County Teachers Association and charges a violation of
Manning's academic freedom and free speech rights. School officials claim the dispute
hinges on an entirely different principle: Who sets the curriculum for public schools?
The case is pending.
Even if the school district prevails in its claim to determine an individual teacher's
course curriculum, its judgment in this instance is disturbing. The district's action
demonstrates a lack of confidence in the judgment of its teachers. "I think it is sad that
the school district does not trust its teachers and students to deal with history in the
making," said school board member Linda Lerner, who cast the sole dissenting vote
against the ban. Similarly, the school district's action shows a disregard for the opinions
of the students' parents, all of whom approved the use of the materials. For disregarding
the voices of Pinellas County teachers, parents, and students, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle
goes to the Pinellas County School District.
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL April 13, 1999
"In this country, you can call the president a liar -- and surely you can say, 'The coach sucks,' --
that's part of living in a free country."
-- Hilary Chiz, executive director of the West Virginia ACLU,
For threatening a fan with arrest if he did not take down a sign at a football game that was humorously
critical of the West Virginia University football coach, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle goes to
The West Virginia University Athletic Department
Jim Malfregeot, a Clarksburg, West Virginia resident and West Virginia University football fan,
regularly displayed signs at the Mountaineer's home football games. During a game in November 1998,
he posted a sign on the wall that separates the field from the stands. The sign read: "Terry Bowden Call
Home 1-800-HELP-WVU." The sign was a joke at the expense of WVU Mountaineer Coach Don
Nehlen whose team had lost two straight games. Terry Bowden, who grew up in Morgantown, W. Va.,
had recently retired from coaching the Auburn Tigers where he had a winning record.
When campus security approached Malfregeot, he refused to give up the sign, but did take it to
his seat. "Next thing I know here comes six, seven of them," said Malfregeot, "they got me
surrounded." The campus security, along with two Morgantown police officers, told Malfregeot he
would be put in jail if he didn't surrender the sign. After collecting badge numbers, Malfregeot
surrendered the sign "I didn't need to be handcuffed and brought out of there and have my kids see it
on TV," said Malfregeot.
The game was being broadcast on ESPN. Malfregeot later stated that part of the reason for the
sign was a desire to get on national television. "I just thought the Terry Bowden sign was cute." The
WVU Athletic Department did not share that sentiment. John Twining, an assistant athletic director
who supervises game security, said "that sign was offensive. It was an insult to our coach." "I'm not
aware of any WVU policy on signs, but decisions are made throughout the game and we made the
decision to take that sign down."
At first blush this incident may seem too slight to merit a Jefferson Muzzle, but the issue it
presents is of no small constitutional significance. One of the most severe acts of government
censorship is the threat of incarceration, especially when the threat is conveyed to an individual by a
group of uniformed men. Jim Malfregeot was threatened with jail because he made a joke that persons
in authority did not find funny. More disturbingly, this incident took place on a public university
campus, an environment in which the U.S. Supreme Court has declared that "the state acts against a
background and tradition of thought and experiment that is at the center of our intellectual and
philosophic tradition." The arbitrary exercise of police power by the West Virginia Athletic Department
was completely at odds with the American tradition of free speech, and thereby a 1999 Jefferson
Muzzle.
I. Project Summary
News/Broadcast Network (N/BN) scripted and produced
a radio news release focusing on the eighth annual list of Jefferson Muzzles.
THE PROJECT GENERATED AN ESTIMATED 627 BROADCASTS AND
A FEW FORMAT HIGHLIGHTS:
4,887,010 LISTENERS.
Fifty-six percent of News/Talk's
listeners are Men 18+ and a
marginally smaller forty-four
The distribution package selected, AudioLine satellite, was released on April
percent are Women 18+.
13, 1999.
Tops in morning drive, News/Talk
has the largest share of listeners
tuning in at 6am to 10am.
AudioLine is NBN's proprietary feed on three national radio networks and the
Internet news channels of AOL's Digital City. The networks include AP
News/talk includes news,
business news, talk, sports and
Radio Network, Westwood One/Mutual and the USA Radio Network or
full service formats.
Business News Network. Our feeds on the AP and Westwood One networks
Full Service stations are usually
have been in existence as regularily scheduled news feeds on those networks
found on the AM band and feature
main news channels since 1981. The USA Radio Network and/or Business
news and information. Very few
Full Service stations still play
News Network each deliver approximately 200 confirmed broadcasts on their
music. Full Service has evolved
news feeds. The news channel of AOL Digital City's New York and
into a more information-based
format.
Washington, DC sites reach a combined 7 million distinct viewers each
Male/Female Skew: 50/50
month.
Target Audience: 25-54
RADIO FACT:
In 1997, the number of
commercial and noncommercial
radio stations rose to 12,472.
10328 - report - THOMAS JEFFERSON CENTER
II. Broadcast Totals
The broadcast and audience impression figures listed in this report
are estimates of actual broadcast use and audience reach derived from
STATISTICAL PROJECTIONS:
continual station research.
N/BN uses accepted polling and
surveying practices, the broadcast
and audience totals are
Usage figures are based on STATISTICAL PROJECTIONS from random
projections.
surveys of stations with story access.
QUARTER HOUR AVERAGE:
The average number of listeners
Impressions are reported in two methods - as A QUARTER HOUR AVERAGE
for a radio station during any 15
minute period.
AND WEEKLY CUME TOTAL. All figures are based on Arbitron Ratings.
WEEKLY CUME:
Broadcasts from SATELLITE
417
The total number of different
people who listen to a station for
Broadcasts from USA NETWORK/BUSINESS NEWS NETWORK
210
at least five minutes in a daypart.
Broadcasts from CUSTOM PLACEMENT
0
RADIO FACT:
Broadcasts from OTHER
0
Over ninety-five percent of all
people twelve and older tune in to
TOTAL PROJECT BROADCASTS
627
radio each and every week.
Throughout the year, the average
radio listener spends more that
¼ HOUR AVERAGE IMPRESSIONS, RADIO
4,887,010
twenty-two hours per week
listening to radio - that's over
WEEKLY CUME
83,079,170
1,200 hours of listening per
person, per year!
ESTIMATED INTERNET IMPRESSIONS
400,000
10328 - report - THOMAS JEFFERSON CENTER
4-23-1999 11 : 38AM
FROM NBN CALIFORNIA 0000000000
P.3
(THOMAS JEFFERSON CENTER "THE 1999 MUZZLE AWARDS" RMT FLASH REPORT, 4/23/99, PG 2)
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
STATION/
HDQTRS/
LIVE/
BCSTS/
ESTIMATED
BCSTR
MARKET
RANK
TAPED
FEEDS
AUDIENCE
WMAQ/670
CHICAGO, IL
3
T
3
42,000
WJLB/97.9
DETROIT, MI
6
T
2
244,000
KRLD/1080
DALLAS, TX
7
T
0
0
KLBJ/590
AUSTIN, TX
51
T
3
48,000
VIRGINIA
RICHMOND, VA
56
T
7*
804,000*
NEWS
NETWORK
WVOC/560
COLUMBIA, SC
88
T
2
8,000
WCHS/580
CHARLESTON, WV
171
T
10
49,000
RFD RADIO
CHAMPAIGN, IL
221
T
0
0
NETWORK
ABC RADIO
NEW YORK, NY
NATL
T
2*
2,320,000*
NETWORK
UPI RADIO
WASHINGTON, DC
NATL
T
2**
2,000,000**
NETWORK
USA RADIO
DALLAS, TX
NATL
T
1
500,000
NETWORK
*
Virginia News Network broadcast the story as well as fed it to its affiliates. ABC Radio Network also fed the story
to its affiliates. Since there is no way to confirm the affiliates actual usage, the audience for a feed is a minimal esti-
mate based on probable and reasonable use.
** UPI Radio Network is a subscription news service with subscribers using its material at their own discretion. The
network is not rated and does not sell commercial time. The audience is a minimal estimate based on similar sized
commercial networks with similar demographics and format.
STYLE
The Washington Post
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 1999 C3
NAMES FACES
Muzzling the Mayor
commentary on the book itself but more
because of the legal status."
New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has the
dubious distinction of winning the first
Words on the White House
lifetime "Jefferson Muzzle"-a
tongue-in-cheek award given by the
UPI's Helen Thomas, who will soon release
Charlottesville-based Thomas Jefferson
her memoirs, says JFK was her favorite
Center for the Protection of Free Expression.
president during 38 years of White House
The center awards the Muzzles annually to
coverage. "I thought he was the most
those who, in the opinion of the center's
inspired. I thought he gave us hope," Thomas
board, deserve censure for censorship.
tells "Dateline NBC" tonight. However, she
Giuliani is known for being both garrulous
admits Jackie Kennedy was not very fond of
and thin-skinned. The board thought his
her-and says the first lady told Secret
transgressions were so egregious last year
Service agents that she was being stalked by
that he deserved a permanent Muzzle.
the correspondent.
Hizzoner was cited for barring city
But Thomas was just doing her job. "The
employees from talking to reporters without
editors wanted everything about Jackie.
approval, directing the transit authority not
Every time she sneezed we could land on the
to display ads critical of the mayor, barring a
front page."
church group from conducting AIDS
education in a city park, and refusing a permit
End Notes
for a parade to protest police brutality.
Michael Jackson claims he and Princess
"As a public official, the number of his
Diana were confidants, according to an
affronts to free speech are unparalleled," said
interview in the Mirror, a British tabloid.
J. Joshua Wheeler, an attorney with the
"She used to confide in me. She'd just call on
center. The awards were announced
the phone and we would talk about
Tuesday, the 256th anniversary of Jefferson's
birth.
everything that was happening in her life,"
Jacko says. "She needed to talk to someone
Scuttled by the Navy
who knew exactly what she was going
FILE PHOTO/BY ADAM NADEL-ASSOCIATED PRESS
through. She felt hunted the same way I've
After promoting a lecture by Charles C.
New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, all warm and
felt hunted. Trapped, if you like"
Thompson, author of an investigative book
muzzled over his free-speech award.
Everyone else is buzzing about the new "Star
about the 1989 explosion on the USS Iowa,
Wars" movie, but Liam Neeson, who plays
the Navy Museum has suddenly scrubbed the
Navy brought by the family of Clayton
Jedi master Qui-Gon Jin in "The Phantom
talk. Officials at the museum-a history and
Hartwig, whom the Navy falsely accused of
Menace," seems blase. He jumped at the
educational arm of the Navy-were told to
blowing up a turret because a homosexual
chance to be in the picture, but says it wasn't
cancel Thompson's April 22 lecture because
affair had gone wrong.
a life-altering experience. "I'm 46 years of
of ongoing litigation about the case.
Thompson said Navy officials were well
age. I'm married with two kids. I love to
"T'm floored. I'm banned by the Navy," said
aware of the book's content and that his
fly-fish. That will never change," he told
Thompson, a former "60 Minutes" producer
lecture had been approved by proper
Movieline magazine. "At the end of the day,
who wrote "A Glimpse of Hell: The Explosion
channels. Said Sheila Brennan, acting
you know something? It's just a movie."
of USS Iowa and Its Cover-Up." The book
director of the museum's public programs:
-Compiled from staff and wire reports
discusses an ongoing slander suit against the
"The cancellation is not a reflection or
by Janelle Erlichman
4-13-99
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
N.Y. mayor is 'Muzzled'
for affronts to free speech
BY CARLOS SANTOS
tion and reporting of the votes cast in a medical marijua-
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
na ballot initiative;
WJLA Television, the Washington, D.C., affiliate of
CHARLOTTESVILLE - His trampling with gusto on the
ABC, for refusing to run an anti-President Clinton ad
First Amendment won New York City Mayor Rudolph
produced by the conservative group, American Renewal,
Giuliani the dubious honor of a lifetime Jefferson Muz-
but agreeing to run a pro-Clinton ad produced by the lib-
zle, the first such award from the Thomas Jefferson Cen-
eral People for the American Way;
ter for the Protection of Free Expression.
The First Amendment watchdog group, based in
Judge Gregory K. McLintock and attorney Stuart R.
Charlottesville and headed by Robert M. O'Neil, thought
Lefstein - members of the Illinois State Bar inquiry
committee - for refusing to admit an applicant to the
Giuliani's transgressions were so outrageous last year
bar because of his white-supremacist views; "This is the
he deserved the big, permanent Muzzle.
best example of good people making a mistake," Wheel-
Among other things, Giuliani barred city employees
er said;
from talking to reporters without specific approval, di-
rected the transit authority not to display on city buses
The Arenac County (Michigan) Prosecutors office,
ads that contained a caricature critical of the mayor's
for prosecuting a man under a forgotten 101-year-old
quest for publicity, barred a Lutheran church group from
state law prohibiting swearing in front of women and
children;
conducting an AIDS education program in a city park and
refused a permit for a parade designed to protest police
The Pinellas County School Board in Tampa, Fla.,
brutality.
for banning the use of the Starr report and Clinton's
"As a public official, the number of his affronts to free
grand jury testimony in a high school government class
speech are unparalleled," said J. Joshua Wheeler, an at-
despite receiving written permission from the parents of
torney with the center.
all the students in the class;
Regular Muzzle awards, meant to call attention to acts
The West Virginia University Athletic Department,
that curb free expression often because of personal
for threatening a fan with arrest if he didn't take down a
whim or bias, also went out to 11 other groups and indi-
banner at a home football game that was humorously
viduals, the largest number in the center's eight years of
critical of the West Virginia football coach.
awarding Muzzles. The increase partly is the result of a
With the Muzzles, the center "hopes to call attention
rising tide of censorship in public schools, Wheeler said.
to acts of censorship that many in this country assume
The Muzzle award winners include:
could not take place," Wheeler said. "Simply by calling
Independent counsel Kenneth Starr, for issuing a
attention, greater attention, to the principles of the First
subpoena to a bookstore to turn over 2½ years of re-
Amendment, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for
cords relating to Monica Lewinsky's book purchases;
those principles. Perhaps the actual recipients might
also be more reluctant next time to abridge somebody's
U.S. Rep. Robert L. Barr, R-Ga., for an amendment
free-speech rights - though I doubt that in the case of
to the Washington budget bill that prohibited the tabula-
Giuliani."
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Free-speech group awards censorship 'prize' to 2 here
By MOLLY McDONOUGH 4-13-99
Law Bulletin staff writer
A Virginia-based group that advocates for freedom of
expression has given it's eighth annual Jefferson Muzzle
award to two downstate Committee on Character and
Fitness panelists.
Associate Judge Gregory K. McClintock, of the 9th
Judicial Circuit, and Rock Island attorney Stuart R.
Lefstein "won" the dubious honor for refusing to
recommend a law license for Matthew F. Hale because of
his white supremacist views.
"Judge McClintock and Mr. Lefstein understandably
find Hale's beliefs repugnant, but they have forgotten that
under the First Amendment one may be punished only for
illegal action and not for the way one thinks," the Muzzle
award states.
Noting that Hale has promised to support the
Constitution even when it conflicts with his beliefs, the
Muzzle award states that, "Ironically, by denying Hale
certification on the basis of his beliefs, Judge McClintock
and Mr. Lefstein are acting contrary to the principles of
the Constitution they swore to support when they sought
admission to the Illinois bar."
Jefferson Muzzles are handed out each April 13, the
anniversary of Jefferson's birth, by the Thomas Jefferson
Center for the Protection of Free Expression in
Charlottesville.
The image of a silenced Thomas Jefferson serves as a symbol
"The purpose of the Muzzles is to call attention to acts
for annual "awards" aimed at highlighting cases of censorship.
of censorship that many assume could not take place in
America," said J. Joshua Wheeler, an attorney and director
of programs for the center.
In addition to McClintock and Lefstein, the Thomas
"By calling attention to these incidents we hope to
Jefferson Center, a not-for-profit organization that
create greater appreciation for the principles of the First
describes itself as nonpartisan, recognized a "record" 11
Amendment," Wheeler said.
others that the group maintains "have done grievous harm
Hale's campaign for admission to the Illinois bar has
to free expression."
received support from such other free speech advocates
New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani won a
as the Greater Chicago Anti-Defamation League, which
special "Lifetime Jefferson Muzzle" because he often has
said that denying a law license based on a person's views
"demonstrated a consistent disregard of the First
sets a "dangerous precedent."
Amendment principles, including efforts to prohibit
Hale, a Southern Illinois University School of Law
parades, firing police officers for appearing in blackface
graduate who passed the bar exam in July, has failed to
while off duty, and limiting artists from displaying their
receive a required recommendation from the Board of
works on city property."
Admission's Committee on Character and Fitness.
When naming this year's recipients, the center also
Hale, who leads the East Peoria-based World Church of
decried a "rising tide of censorship in public schools."
the Creator, has said he wants to be a lawyer so that he
Three of the Muzzles went to schools whose
can work within the system to separate the races and
administrations tried to limit student-created Internet
reach his ultimate goal, mass deportation of all
sites critical of school officials or teachers.
non-whites. He also has asserted that he wants to
represent white supremacist groups which are trying to
Other 1999 Jefferson Muzzle recipients include:
exercise their right to free expression.
Independent counsel Kenneth W. Starr, for issuing a
McClintock twice refused to recommend Hale for
subpoena to a bookstore demanding that it turn over
admission to the practice of law, first when he met with
records relating to book purchases by Monica Lewinsky,
Hale in July and again in November when he chaired a
the former White House intern whose dalliances with
three-member inquiry panel that included Lefstein. The
President Clinton served as the basis for impeachment.
third panelist, Ottawa attorney Lawrence W. Baxter,
The Texas Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee,
dissented from the panel's decision, saying there is no
for attempting to ban publishers from selling
reason to keep Hale out of the bar because there is no
do-it-yourself legal manuals on matters such as divorce,
evidence Hale will violate his oath as an attorney. In the
wills and copyrights.
matter of the Application for Admission to the Bar of
The Louisiana Supreme Court, for making new rules
Matthew F. Hale.
that restrict the types of clients to which student law
On Saturday, Hale was again examined, this time in
clinics can provide free legal assistance.
Joliet by a five-member hearing panel. If he loses this
Michigan's Arenac County prosecutor's office, for
time, Hale has the right to make a direct appeal to the
prosecuting a man under a near-fòrgotten 101-year-old
state Supreme Court.
state law prohibiting swearing in front of women and
"I realize Matt Hale is a hard pill to swallow," Wheeler
children.
said, adding that, "If we really want to have a free speech
A complete list of this year's awards can be found on the
in this country, we just have to get a big glass of water."
center's Web site at www.tjcenter.org.
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Newsday, Inc.
Newsday (New York, NY)
April 13, 1999, Tuesday, QUEENS EDITION
SECTION: NEWS; Page A19
LENGTH: 346 words
HEADLINE: FREE-SPEECH GROUP ZINGS MAYOR
BYLINE: By Pete Bowles. STAFF WRITER
BODY:
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has won a dubious lifetime achievement award for a
"consistent and pervasive pattern of unprecedented threats" to the right of free
speech.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for Protection of Free Expression, which each
year confers "Jefferson Muzzles" on organizations or individuals that have done
"grievous harm" to free expression, announced yesterday it was presenting its
first "Lifetime Jefferson Muzzle" to the control-minded mayor.
"Mayor Giuliani has often demonstrated a consistent disregard of First
Amendment principles, including efforts to prohibit parades, firing police
officers for appearing in blackface while off-duty and limiting artists from
displaying their work on city property," the center said.
"He has stifled speech and press to so unprecedented a degree, and in so many
and varied forms, that simply keeping up with the city's censorious activity has
proved a challenge for defenders of free expression," said center director
Robert O'Neil, a law professor at the University of Virginia.
Sunny Mindel, a spokeswoman for Giuliani, did not return calls to her office
seeking comment.
In citing a list of "draconian" examples "as chilling as they are novel, the
center said Giuliani had, among other things, imposed strict licensing rules on
sidewalk artists, cracked down on street musicians, barred city employees from
talking to reporters without specific approval and banned most public events
from being held on the steps of City Hall.
Last year, the center presented the mayor with a Jefferson Muzzle for
attempting to have an advertisement satirizing him removed from city buses.
Among this year's winners are Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr for issuing a
subpoena to a bookstore seeking a list of Monica Lewinsky's book purchases, a
Texas legislative committee for attempting to ban publishers from selling
do-it-yourself legal manuals dealing with divorces, wills and copyrights, and
the Arenac County, Mich., prosecutor's office for prosecuting a man for swearing
in front of women and children.
freep/news/michigan Detroit free Dress
Canoeist's prosecutor cited
TODAY'S STORIES
LOCAL
MICHIGAN
with Muzzle Award
Physics solve a
NATION/
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'murder'
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He takes zipped-lips prize with good
Canoeist's prosecutor
POLITICS
cited with Muzzle
HEALTH
humor: 'It's a very nice T-shirt; I am
Award
WEATHER
not offended'
Michigan news briefs
CHILDREN
FIRST
SPECIALS
RELIGION
April 14, 1999
LOTTERY
Michigan Web guide
OBITUARIES
EDUCATION
BY JOE SWICKARD
Free Press Staff Writer
TRAVEL
Like a circus-goer who admires the human
DESTINATIONS
PERSONALS
cannonball, Assistant Arenac County
HELP
Prosecutor Richard Vollbach would just as
WANTED
CLASSIFIEDS
soon forgo taking the ride himself.
SUBSCRIBE
HOME
DELIVERY
"I like the concept" of battling for free speech,
NEWS
Vollbach said Tuesday upon being named a
LIBRARY
NEW HOMES
censor of the year by the Thomas Jefferson
YELLOW
Center for Protection of Free Expression, one
PAGES
of 12 Muzzle Awards announced by the group.
"I'm just not sure that I like being the winner."
Vollbach was singled out along with New York
Search
City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and 10 other
officials by the free speech organization for
their efforts to silence citizens.
The center, based in Charlottesville, Va., cited
Vollbach for his prosecution of Timothy
Boomer, a.k.a. the cussing canoeist, on a
101-year-old law banning cursing in front of
women and children. No date has been set for
the misdemeanor trial.
Boomer, according to witnesses, let out a
extended stream of curses when he fell into the
Rifle River last year.
Although there were no youngsters in his party,
witnesses said children were within earshot of
his loud outburst that featured the f-word.
(more)
1 of2
4/14/99 9:27 AM
"Actually, it was a four-minute, one-word
monologue and that was the one word,"
Vollbach said.
Vollbach's prize from the center was a T-shirt
with the First Amendment on the back and a
set of zippered lips across the chest.
"It's a very nice T-shirt," he said. "I am not
offended. The Jefferson people and I have a
difference in opinion in how the First
Amendment principles apply in this case."
Josh Wheeler of the center said no one is
pleased with Boomer's choice of words, but
that government should not decide which
words people can use in everyday life.
"If Boomer can be prosecuted, then if we drop
a tire on our toe while changing a flat and let
out a few choice words that can make us a
criminal," Wheeler said.
Vollbach said he has a working familiarity with
Boomer's vocabulary.
"I went to law school," he said. "I used the
word all the time, but around kids I temper my
words."
Joe Swickard can be reached at
1-313-223-4557 or by E-mail at
[email protected]
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2 of 2
4/14/99 9:27 AM
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE
4/14/99 -- 12:36 AM
Starr report ban draws ridicule for Pinellas
By KATHLEEN BEEMAN of The Tampa Tribune
LARGO - The Pinellas school district has been zinged with a national ``dubious
achievement" award for banning Kenneth Starr's impeachment inquiry from a government
class.
A brand new T-shirt with lips sealed shut by a giant zipper soon will be arriving at the
Pinellas school district. But don't expect Superintendent Howard Hinesley to wear it with
pride.
The T-shirt, which includes the text of the First Amendment on the back, is a booby prize of
sorts, issued the school district Tuesday when it was named one of 12 groups or individuals
who have done grievous harm" to freedom of expression in the previous year.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, a nonprofit, nonpartisan
group affiliated with the University of Virginia, issued the district its ``Jefferson Muzzle
Award" for prohibiting high school American government teacher Linda Manning from using
portions of Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr's impeachment inquiry as class material.
This, despite the fact Manning had obtained signed letters of consent from the parents of all
18 students in her class. And, of course, the entire text of the inquiry into President Clinton's
affair with Monica Lewinsky was already on the Internet.
Manning, a 25-year veteran of teaching in Pinellas, fired back by filing a lawsuit in federal
court stating the district is trampling her First Amendment rights of uncensored speech.
"The school district's decision in this matter is very disturbing," Josh Wheeler, an attorney
and director of programming for the center, said Tuesday. ``It demonstrates a lack of trust in
teachers, in the parents and in the students."
Attorneys for Manning and the school board are attempting to mediate a settlement. But
school board attorney John Bowen said any settlement would have to acknowledge the
district as the authority in deciding what material is appropriate for class use.
School officials maintain they forbade use of the entire Starr report because they were
concerned some of the testimony is too sexually explicit and Manning refused to say what
portions of the report she intended to present to her students.
"The district hasn't done anything out of the ordinary," Bowen said Tuesday. "Our actions
have been totally consistent with case law."
Staff writer Kathleen Beeman covers education in Pinellas County and can be reached at
1 of 2
4/15/99 9:30 AM
PAGE
2
2ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Star-Telegram Newspaper, Inc.
THE FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
April 20, 1999, Tuesday FINAL AM EDITION
SECTION: BUSINESS; Pg. 1, Commentary
LENGTH: 587 words
HEADLINE: Texas group wins Muzzle award for attacking self-help law guides
BYLINE: Todd Mason, Star-Telegram Writer
BODY:
Only lawyers could write a 10, 000-word document and call it a
brief, quipped author Franz Kafka.
Happily, the folks at the Thomas Jefferson Center for the
Protection of Freedom of Expression have greater powers of
discrimination.
The center awarded one of its annual Muzzle awards to the Texas
Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee for its attacks on self-help
legal guides and software.
The Dallas-based committee joins a select company. Special
Prosecutor Ken Starr won a Muzzle this year for subpoenaing
book-store records in his pursuit of Monica Lewinsky, and New York
City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani won one for jailing his critics, lawfully
assembled or not.
I've written before about the Texas committee's dubious
achievements. This is the latest group of attorneys to make the
phrase "Texas jurisprudence" seem like an oxymoron.
It won a case last year in federal court against Quicken Family
Lawyer that would effectively ban sales of the software program in
Texas. It also brought an administrative complaint against Nolo
Press, a leading do-it-yourself legal publisher.
Other states decided long ago that self-help legal guides are
protected by the First Amendment.
The Texas Legislature appears ready to drag the state bar into the
20th century. A bill introduced by state Rep. Steve Wolens, D-Dallas,
would amend the Depression-era statute prohibiting the unlicensed
practice of law to exclude books, software and Internet Web sites.
None of this answers the $ 64 question. How is it that the Bill of
Rights needs a legislative assist on this side of the Red River?
"The Texas Committee has forgotten that the First Amendment not
only guarantees the right of free speech but also guarantees the
right to hear that speech," the center writes.
(more)
PAGE
3
THE FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM April 20, 1999, Tuesday
It seems that the lawyers only want us listening to them.
"Standard legal reference materials often present information in a
manner that is indecipherable by anyone who is not a lawyer, the
center writes.
"It therefore appears that the Committee is actually protecting
Texas lawyers from competition rather than protecting the Texas
consumer from possible harm. "
Web travelers will find the awards at www.tjcenter.org, and
Wolen's effort, House Bill 1507, at www.capitol.state.tx.us.
Nolo, based in Berkeley, Calif., is fighting in the courts as
well. The publisher challenged the committee's closed-door
proceedings before the state Supreme Court, which nominally oversees
the committee.
Last week, the court tossed out Nolo's writ on technical grounds
but ruled that the committee's proceedings must be open to the public.
"It looks like we lost, but we actually won, " said Nolo General
Counsel Stephen Elias. "The people of Texas are going to find out
more about this group that was operating completely in the dark
before. "
In March, Nolo filed suit against the committee in state court in
Austin, seeking a ruling that its books don't violate state law and
enjoy constitutional protection. The Texas Library Association and
the American Association of Law Libraries joined its suit.
Elias expects the case to become moot if Wolens' bill passes and
becomes law on Sept 1. Unopposed, it emerged unanimously from a House
committee.
Meanwhile, Nolo rewrote its corporate motto for a Web page
tracking the controversy at www.nolo.com. Law for all. Even in Texas.
Todd Mason's column runs Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
390-7552; fax, 390-7774
[email protected]
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: April 21, 1999
The Daily Progress
Dubious distinction
Area First Amendment center selects 12 censorship 'honorees'
By MARIA SANMINIATELLI
4-13-99
deserve censure for censoring. This year's winners
Daily
Progress
staff
writer
(Charlottesville)
also include Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr and
the Louisiana Supreme Court.
New York City's feisty mayor has censored SO many
This year the center presented 12 awards - the
so often that an Albemarle County-based center for
highest number ever a fact for which officials at the
First Amendment rights has awarded him its first-
center blame the rising tide of censorship in' public
ever Lifetime Muzzle Award, officials there said Mon-
schools.
day.
The winners will receive T-shirts with the text of
"During his tenure as mayor, [Rudolph Giuliani]
the First Amendment printed on the back and a huge
has stifled free expression to such an unprecedented
pair of zipped-up lips on the front, Wheeler said.
degree that we felt he deserved special recognition,"
Giuliani already won a regular Muzzle Award last
said Josh Wheeler, an attorney with the Thomas Jef-
year for directing the city's transit authority to remove
ferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression.
New York Magazine's ads that read, "Possibly the only
Every year on Thomas Jefferson's April 13 birth-
good thing in New York Rudy hasn't taken credit for."
day, the center presents the questionable awards to
But the New York mayor's Lifetime Award is a
those who, in the opinion of its Board of Trustees,
See MUZZLE on A8
Muzzle
expression," officials with the cen-
tions and Ethics from counting the
The Arenac County, Mich.,
ter said in a prepared statement.
votes cast in a medical marijuana
Prosecutor's Office for prosecuting
In the late 1990s, the American
ballot initiative.
a man under a 101-year-old state
Continued from A1
Civil Liberties Union has brought
Television station WJLA,
law that forbids swearing in front
12 First Amendment suits against
Washington, D.C.'s ABC affiliate,
of women and children.
The
first.
Wheeler said it is not yet, clear
the mayor and the city, and has
for refusing to run an anti-Clinton
charges are pending.
whether the Lifetime Award will
won all but one, officials said.
ad produced by a conservative
Timothy Dawson, principal of
be handed out every year.
Giuliani's office did not return
group, but agreeing to run a pro-
Killian High School in Miami, for
"It will depend if there's a deserv-
phone calls asking for comment
Clinton ad produced by a liberal
having nine students suspended,
ing recipient every year," he said.
Monday.
group.
arrested and later expelled for pub-
Giuliani's sins, according to the
This year's other winners are:
Judge Gregory K. McLintock
lishing an underground newsletter-
Center for the Protection of Free
The Woodland School District,
and attorney Stuart R. Lefstein,
that included racial slurs, profani-
Expression, include refusing to
Marble Hill, Mo., for suspending a.
two of three members of the
ty, graphic sexual references and
allow a group of taxi drivers to
high school student who created a
inquiry committee of the Illinois
an unflattering portrayal of the
assemble and protest against pro-
World Wide Web page critical of
State Bar, for refusing to admit an
principal.
posed city pick-up and drop-off
school officials and teachers.
applicant to the bar because of his
The Pinellas County School
rules, imposing strict licensing
Starr, for issuing a subpoena'
white supremacist views.
Board in Tampa, Fla., for forbid-
rules on sidewalk artists, imposing
to a bookstore asking it to turn
The Texas Unauthorized
ding the use of the Starr Report
a daily $45 permit fee on street
over the records of former White
Practice of Law Committee, for try-
and Clinton's grand jury testimony
musicians and forbidding city
House intern Monica Lewinsky's
ing to ban the sale of self-help law
in a high school American govern-
employees to talk to reporters
book-purchases over the last two-
books and software programs on
ment class after parents had given
without specific approval.
and-a-half years. Starr was looking
the grounds that they violated a
their written permission.
"He has stifled speech and press
for Lewinsky's gifts to the presi-
regulation prohibiting the practice
The West Virginia University
to so unprecedented a degree, and
dent.
of law without a license.
Athletic Department for threaten-
in so many and varied forms, that
U.S. Rep. Robert L. Barr, R-
The Louisiana Supreme Court
ing to arrest a fan unless he took
simply keeping up with the city's
Ga., for an amendment to the Dis-
for passing new regulations limit-
down a banner in which he poked
censorious activity has proved a
trict of Columbia's budget bill pro-
ing student law clinics from provid-
light-hearted fun at the West Vir-
challenge for: defenders of free
hibiting the city's Board of Elec-
ing free legal assistance.
ginia football coach.
The Daily Progress 4-14-99
(Charlottesville) EDITORIAL
Censors win
spoofy kudos
for 'gagging'
E
ver since the First Amendment was added to
the Constitution of the United States, there
have been people in power who just could not
resist censoring the free speech of others.
But Mr. Giuliani, for all his desire to be the voice
For eight years in a row, Charlottesville's Thomas
of New York, is hardly the only, or even the most
Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expres-
prominent, voice to step all over the free speech
sion has honored the censors of our society.
rights of others.
Every year ón Mr. Jefferson's birthday, the First
Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr captured a.
Amendment center presents tongué-in-cheek Jeffer-
Jefferson Muzzle on Tuesday for issuing a subpoena
son Muzzle awards to individuals or groups that have
to a bookstore to turn over two and a half years of
trampled on the free speech rights of others.
records relating to Monica Lewinsky's book purchas-
Tuesday, for the second year in a row, New York
es.
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has stolen the headlines,
During his investigation of President Clinton, he
grabbed the honors and run away with the censor
served a subpoena on the two bookstores from which
awards.
she most likely purchased several books she had
For a mayor who loves to show off on Saturday
given as gifts to the president.
Night Live, Mr. Giuliani is a little teensy weensy bit
After judges applied the First Amendment to the
sensitive about what others may say about him.
request, Mr. Starr was denied much of what he
Last year, Hizzoner captured a Muzzle for
sought from the bookstores. He was guilty of seeking
attempting to remove an advertisement satirizing
information far beyond the scope of his investigation.
him from city buses. The ad, promoting New York
The West Virginia University Athletic Department
richly earned its Jefferson Muzzle award Tuesday for
Magazine, contained the caption, "Possibly the only
threatening a football fan with arrest if he did not
good thing Rudy hasn't taken credit for."
take down a banner.
"Who would have dreamed that the mayor would
His offense in the eyes of athletic officials was tak-
object to more publicity," observed U.S. District
ing a banner to a game that was humorously critical
Judge Shira Scheindelin in ruling that Mr. Giuliani
of the West Virginia football coach.
violated the First Amendment by ordering the spoof
ads off the buses.
The sign read: "Terry Bowden Call Home 1-800-
This year, the mayor was presented with a Life-
HELP-WVU." It was at the expense of WVU Coach
time Jefferson Muzzle by Robert M. O'Neil, who
Don Nehlen, whose team had lost two straight games
directs the First Amendement center.
while Bowden, who grew up in Morgantown, W.Va.,
The center found that Mr. Giuliani "has often
had recently retired from coaching the Auburn
demonstrated a consistent disregard of First Amend-
Tigers, where he had a winning record.
ment principles, including efforts to prohibit parades,
The Jefferson Center performs a valuable public
firing police officers for appearing in blackface while
service by poking gentle fun at some of the actions
off-duty and limiting artists from displaying their
that suppress free expression.
works on city property."
As the center said in defense of the West Virginia
In the past year, he refused to permit more than
fan and his sign, "the arbitrary exercise of police
20 taxi drivers to assemble for a protest against pro-
power by the West Virginia Athletic Department was
posed city pick-up and drop-off rules and barred city
completely at odds with the American tradition of
employees from talking with reporters without specif-
free speech."
ic approval. In both cases, federal courts found that
he had violated free speech rights.
PAGE
8
4TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Charleston Newspapers
Charleston Daily Mail
April 14, 1999, Wednesday
SECTION: News; Pg. P1B
LENGTH: 723 words
HEADLINE: WVU just should cry 'Uncle!'
BYLINE: Chuck Landon
BODY:
I am the man from Uncle. Which makes it my genealogical duty to be
appalled by the dubious distinction West Virginia University's
athletic department received recently.
I mean, what else can the
great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great nephew of John Adams
do?
History shows that good ol' Uncle John and Thomas Jefferson basically
founded the concept of freedom of expression in this country. So, when
WVU's athletic department gets cited for blatant censorship, it
automatically makes my blood boil.
Well, at least, the drop or two Uncle John donated via his great niece
Anne Adams who married Josiah Vinton who had a son, Abel, who had a
son, William, who had a daughter, Sarah, who married my great-great
grandfather William Landon.
I suppose that's why even eight generations later I've got my Levi's
in a bunch over this incident.
It's in my genes.
That's why I don't cotton to the fact that when the eighth annual
Jefferson Muzzle Awards were announced Monday, WVU's athletic
department was one of 12 recipients.
(more)
PAGE
9
Charleston Daily Mail, April 14, 1999
What a dishonor.
Especially considering the criteria.
The "Muzzle Awards" (I will shoot the first person who asks if it
were in honor of the Mountaineer mascot's rifle) are bestowed on
individuals and organizations who have committed particularly
contemptible acts of censorship within the past year.
And WVU certainly deserved one.
Remember when a WVU fan posted a sign at Mountaineer Field that read,
"Terry Bowden Call Home 1-800-HELP-WVU" during a game last November?
I do. And I confess, I laughed.
Granted, it was a joke at WVU Coach Don Nehlen's expense. But the
humor was intended to be clever, not caustic.
Why, the only reason Jim Malfregeot created the sign was because the
game was being telecast by ESPN and the Clarksburg native hoped it
would get him on national television.
And it did.
It also nearly got him a guest appearance on "Cops."
When John Twining, a WVU assistant athletic director who supervises
game security, spotted the sign he was not amused.
"That sign was offensive," Twining was quoted by the Thomas Jefferson
Center for the Protection of Free Expression. "It was an insult to our
coach. I'm not aware of any WVU policy on signs, but decisions are
made throughout the game and we made the decision to take that sign
down."
And Malfregeot with it, if necessary.
When campus security approached him, Malfregeot agreed to take the
sign down off the wall but refused to relinquish it.
(more)
PAGE
10
Charleston Daily Mail, April 14, 1999
"Next thing I know here come six, seven of them," said Malfregeot.
"They got me surrounded."
The campus security, along with two Morgantown police officers, told
Malfregeot he would be arrested and go to jail if he didn't surrender
the sign. So, he complied.
"I didn't need to be handcuffed and brought out of there and have my
kids see it on TV," said Malfregeot. "I just thought the Terry Bowden
sign was cute."
But WVU's athletic administration didn't. So, it infringed on
Malfregeot's First Amendment rights. And, as Uncle John always said,
the rest is history.
"At first blush this incident may seem too slight to merit a Jefferson
Muzzle," explained the Thomas Jefferson Center. "But the issue it
presents is of no small constitutional significance. One of the most
severe acts of government censorship is the threat of incarceration,
especially when the threat is conveyed to an individual by a group of
uniformed men.
"Jim Malfregeot was threatened with jail because he made a joke that
persons in authority did not find funny. More disturbingly, this
incident took place on a public university campus, an environment in
which the U.S. Supreme Court has declared that "the state acts against
a background and tradition of thought and experiment that is at the
center of our intellectual and philosophic tradition.'
"The arbitrary exercise of palice power by the West Virginia athletic
department was completely at odds with the American tradition of free
speech and, thereby, a 1999 Jefferson Muzzle."
It was not one of WVU's better moments. In light of that, I have a
(more)
PAGE 11
Charleston Daily Mail, April 14, 1999
suggestion for the athletic department.
Cry, "Uncle!"
It works for me.
LOAD-DATE: April 15, 1999
PAGE
2
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 Landmark Communications, Inc.
The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)
April 17, 1999, Saturday, FINAL EDITION
SECTION: LOCAL, Pg. B8
LENGTH: 250 words
HEADLINE: FIRST AMENDMENT;
HURRAY FOR FREE SPEECH.;
VIRGINIA GROUP "HONORS" THOSE WHO TRAMPLE OTHERS' RIGHTS
BODY:
The Charlottesville-based Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free
Expression, a First Amendment watchdog group, gave out a dozen Muzzle awards the
other day, hoping, a center spokesman said, "to call attention to acts of
censorship that many in this country assume could not take place.
''Simply by calling attention, greater attention, to the principles of the
First Amendment, we hope to foster a greater appreciation for those
principles.
This year's Muzzles are disturbing for two reasons: Twelve is the largest
number the center has given in the eight years of the awards, and they included,
for the first time, a big, lifetime Jefferson Muzzle.
The big one went to New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for transgressions
described as especially outrageous and unparalleled. Among other things,
Giuliani forbade municipal workers to talk to reporters without specific
approval, ordered that ads critical of the mayor's quest for publicity not be
displayed on city buses, refused to allow a Lutheran church to hold an AIDS
education program in a city park and turned down a parade permit request from a
group that wanted to protest police brutality.
After Giuliani's remarks about Virginia and garbage, we'd suggest that the
mayor ought to have his newly won muzzle strapped on permanently, but then we'd
earn a Muzzle award ourselves for trampling the mayor's own free-speech rights.
Besides, with the muzzle over his mouth, there'd be no place for his foot.
LOAD-DATE: April 18, 1999
PAGE
2
9TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1999 The Hearst Corporation
The Times Union (Albany, NY)
April 16, 1999, Friday, ONE STAR EDITION
SECTION: MAIN, Pg. A2
LENGTH: 130 words
HEADLINE: After this Jeffersonian award call him 'Mayor Muzzle'
BODY:
New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has the dubious distinction of winning the
first lifetime Jefferson Muzzle, a tongue-in-cheek award given by a free-speech
watchdog organization in Charlottesville, Va.
The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression awards the
Muzzles annually to those who, in the opinion of the center's board, deserve
censure for censorship.
Giuliani was cited this week by the group for barring city employees from
talking to reporters without specific approval, directing the transit authority
not to display on city buses ads that contained a caricature critical of the
mayor's quest for publicity, barring a church group from conducting AIDS
education in a city park and refusing a permit for a parade to protest police
brutality.
NOTES:
People in the News People in the News
LOAD-DATE: April 19, 1999
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 7, 1999
Joan Dunlop
A Women's Lens on Global Issues
Rockefeller Brothers Fund
437 Madison Avenue, 37th Floor
New York, NY 10022-7001
Dear Joan:
Thank you for the copy of your letter to the Wall Street
Journal in response to the editorial "Hillary's Poor Women,"
which was forwarded to us by Theresa Loar.
As you have so clearly written, raising women and
families out of poverty and into the economic mainstream can
only come through support for health, education, access to
economic opportunity, as well as protection of human rights.
Mrs. Clinton conveys her appreciation for all you have done
and will continue to do to bring attention to these critical
issues, along with her best wishes.
All the best.
Sincerely,
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
03/05/99 FRI 18:19 FAX 202 647 5337
PICW
FLOTUS Office
002
R
to
A WOMEN'S LENS ON GLOBAL ISSUES
A Project of The Aspen Institute
Project to build
for
30 Meeting recently held in
ROCKEFELLER BROTHERS FUND
coalitions in the us Dualop
Los
Angeles
Anstiness
Net
437 MADISON AVENUE, 37ᵀᴴ FLOOR
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022-7001
to support a us foreign
one planned in Chicago
policy based on human
in May. HRCinteNst?
Inan Dunlop
security vs "cold war
Kate Grant
Director
3/5
national security Cq-Director focus.
March 4, 1999
HRC
MV
Mr. Robert L. Bartley
Editor
Joan wanted to be
Wall Street Journal
200 Liberty Street
New York, NY 10281
Sure you saw this.
Dear Mr. Bartley:
We met with her yasterday
about her efforts to build
Your March 2, 1999 editorial, "Hillary's Poor Women." made several key points about the
us support
importance of employment to improving the lives and livelihoods of women in developing
for
her
countries. We agree that jobs can help provide useful resources to elevate the living standards of
women and their families and in the process can improve women's ability to control their own
project.
lives. With women representing approximately two-thirds of the world's 1.3 billion people
living in absolute poverty, defined by the World Bank as those living on less than $1 a day, it is
clear that economic empowerment for poor women is critical.
Theresa
But, there are some basic reasons why many of those women in developing countries are living
in poverty; not having a factory job is only a single variable in a complicated equation. Women's
poverty is often a result of various factors such as: illiteracy, poor health, overt discrimination
and inability to control their reproductive life in many places women have neither access to
contraception nor the right to "just say no" to sex with their husbands, resulting in unwanted
pregnancies and debilitating sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, to which women
are often more susceptible. (In Africa, for instance, there are six HIV infected women for every
four infected men). Unfortunately, contrary to your editorial. the solution to these women's
tragic situation is not simply open trade with the U.S.
American companies are profitable because they make economically efficient use of both capital
and labor. Companies want workers who are at the minimum healthy and dependable. From
that perspective it is hard to imagine that companies will be flocking to hire hundreds of millions
of malnourished illiterate women anytime soon. While we applaud employers such as the
Salvadoran textile manufacturer mentioned in your article that has company doctors, a pediatric
clinic, maternity leave et al.; these kinds of corporate investments in workers in developing
TELEPHONE 212-812-4200 : FACSIMILE 212-812-4299
email: [email protected]
[email protected]
03/05/99 FRI 18:19 FAX 202 647 5337
PICW
frr
FLOTUS Office
003
countries we think you would have to admit are rare.
To break the downward cycle of poverty, disease and illiteracy, institutions such as the World
Bank support investments in health and education, particularly targeted toward women and girls.
There is a role for both public and private sectors to play, investing in education and health care,
including reproductive health programs, that will help women and their families achieve the
necessary preconditions for healthier and more productive lives.
Sincerely,
Kt st
Jamdnep
Joan Dunlop
Kate Grant
Cc:
Mr. Daniel Henninger
Mr. Ned Crabbe
03/05/99 FRI 18:19 FAX 202 647 5337
PICW
FLOTUS Office
004
WSJ
Hillary's Poor Women
3/2/99
The Hillary-for-Senate story seems
and even emergency bathing facili-
to be running out of legs. Too bad:
ties. Catholic church leaders there are
there's SO much to talk about, even a
enthusiastic about the gains in social
matter as benign as women's rights in
status that women have made in these
foreign lands. This has been one of
jobs.
HRC
Mrs. Clinton's great causes of late, but
In El Salvador, women workers at
in a political campaign the subject is
Hilasal's textile plant in San Salvador
MV
likely to become more complicated
have company doctors, a pediatric
than the stenographic accounts of her
clinic, maternity leave and a com-
speeches out of the country.
pany-subsidized store. Outside the Hi-
When the First Lady was in Pales-
lasal plant, the workers' contempo-
tine in December, she proclaimed that
raries live the more typical campesino
Why not have an
"Women's rights are human rights
lifestyle, hauling firewood, relying on
or some
Invoking God, she
sorry government health care and de-
talked of Palestin-
pending on small plots of corn for food.
Hec visit to this other
ian women build-
The company's chief executive officer,
ing "a better future
Ricardo Sagrera, observes that "you
can really see a change in the de-
plant next ptan. time
for yourselves and
your children." A
meanor of young women over six
banner read, "Wel-
months of steady work and steady in-
in El Salvador?
come Mrs. Clinton,
come at an apparel factory. It's in the
Angel of Mercy."
way they dignify themselves. No
Mrs. Clinton has
In Colombia, a Bogota lawyer once
There's more to this
taken a similar
explained to us how rural women
message to Bolivia,
working in the export-dominated cut-
Bulgaria,
Chile,
Hillary Clinton
flower business have established
story than just these
Uruguay, Haiti and throughout Cen-
greater independence and are less vul-
tral America. She has called for more
nerable to domestic violence. As they
positives but there
money for education and government-
are forced to compete in the world
are
run health care. more liberal ΓepΓo-
market. manufacturers and producers
ductive rights, and greater political
seek out reliable workers, train them
legit reasonsto
power for women.
and struggle to retain them. This is the
We'd argue that economic opportu-
market dynamic that brings about
Vist/highlight women
nity-and that means mainly the
ever-improving working conditions
chance of landing a job-is what helps
and dèvelopment.
in the workplace.
the world's poor women combat the
As with Al Gore, there is almost no
difficulties of underdevelopment.
possibility that a candidate as union-
Whether domestic violence, access to
beholden as Mrs. Clinton could open
health services or just poverty, the
herself to the notion that the products
way out starts with a job. And for most
these women make might be sold to a
RL
of the countries that Mrs. Clinton has
U.S. consumer. U.S. labor unions don't
toured, the single best engine of new
like the competition; the lower prices
jobs is free, open trade with the U.S.
aren't "fair." As to the work-standards
Somehow in Mrs. Clinton's universe.
charge. inspections by union reps
this subject never comes up.
have repeatedly failed to turn up the
Overall this piece
In Central America, where textile
union-desired abuses.
manufacturers and assemblers have
The quotas that still dominate the
is drivel but
set up shop to take advantage of rela-
U.S. market are limiting opportunities
tively low wages, many women have
for women in the kinds of countries
improved their lot in life by landing a
which Hillary Clinton has become pop-
we can use it
job. Mercedes Cortazar. the editor of
ular for visiting. Running for the Sen-
Apparel Industry International. based
ate from New York, we'd likely hear
In Atlanta, Georgia. says that in Hon-
more about "reproductive rights" and
to expand our message
duras the textile operations have car-
the like for the world's poorest women,
on women's economic
ried many communities since Hurri-
but nothing at all about getting them
cane George, providing transporta-
paying jobs through more liberalized
tion, food, clothing. continued work
trade.
participation.
we will contact this group and See how we
can pull them into Vital Voices Latin America flu.
Artist, Writer, Educator,
Performer, Digital Media
Consultant
80 WOOSTER STREET
NYC 10012-4347 USA
DOUGLAS DAVIS
tel/fax 212-431-6585
em [email protected]
or [email protected]
Co-Founder, Thunder Gulch
Consortium for the Digital
Arts, Lower Manhattan
Cultural Arts Council
http://math240.lehman.cuny.edu/art
The World's First Collaborative
Sentence, 1994
Collection Whitney Museum of American Art.
gift of Barbara and Eugene M. Schwartz
http://thisis/METABODY
(The World's First Collaborative
Vision of the Beautiful, 1997)
Collection George Waterman III
http://www.thisis/DOUGLAS DAVIS
(Images, Content, Text, in Flight,
1996-On)
http://here.is/TERRIBLE BEAUTY,
(An interactive work of meta-media
theater, 1998-2000)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 7, 1999
Douglas Davis
80 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012-4347
Dear Douglas:
I had wanted to write to you as soon as I read your
compelling piece in the Times a couple of months ago. Then
you kindly sent me my own annotated copy and here I am so
many weeks later acknowledging your fine piece. It is written
with the intelligence, experience and passion for the subject I
have come to respect.
You are obviously on point. Let's hope a stronger
"shoulder" materializes in the caring and informed public on
which our artists can rely.
All the best.
Sincerely,
Mer Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
April 27, 1999
Douglas Davis
80 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012-4347
Dear Doug las:
It is so nice to hear from you! Thank you for the copy
of your article. It is good to know that we are famous now.
We will have to get together soon, Very best wishes and
hope you are prospering.
All the best,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
d had cuanted to to write to
Compelling
you as som as l read your prece
in the Fimes a couple 9 months ago
Then when you kindly Dent me my am
annotated cary and & Freezz here moted my d din
strang weeks later
bchuavledgeny your fine piece
In is written win me
intellegence, expenence and
possion for the pubject & have
Cave to respect
you are observaly and
an point. -
her's
hope a stranger "phoneder".
caring, +
materialys in the upont informed
puslic
on which an actists can
rely
An me best
46
AR
THE NEW YORK TIMES, SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 1999
ART
/
ARCHITECTURE
Dear
Marks
lanne
Praise for Arts, but a Cold Shoulder for Artists
Me
By DOUGLAS DAVIS
T wasn't long ago that artists were
I
welcomed and embraced in the nation's
capital as well as in the mainstream
news media. I vividly recall a reception
called by John Brademas, then majority
in
whip of the House, in a majestic room on the
Hill in the late 1970's. The artists were lined
up on one side - they included Robert
case
Rauschenberg, George Segal, James Rosen-
quist and a younger, post-Pop Art tribe that
included video-performance-conceptualists
like me. The whip introduced us to the other
side, an assembled throng of Senators and
Representatives. One of them was Edward
didn't
I. Koch, then a New York Congressman.
I
shook his hand and expressed my sorrow
that SoHo, where I live, was excluded from
his district. "If you live in SoHo," he told me,
eyes gleaming, "I am your Congressman in
spirit."
No such words are spoken in public these
see
days. In a decade when unconventional art-
ists (including writers, performers and mu-
sicians) have literally been smeared with
chocolate, as well as charged with raiding
the national treasury and subverting hetero-
sexual family values, we're political poison.
It's difficult to find a good word said on the
floor of Congress on behalf of our individual
contributions to the civil society, though the
arts themselves are constantly praised.
Yes, there are faint signs of revivalism
now: declarations of support for artists'
teaching in public schools, where they seem
to boost S.A.T. scores; a stamp dedicated to
Jackson Pollock; the President's doubling
Federal aid to the arts in his budget. But
they are pale reflections beside the vintage
gleam in Ed Koch's eyes.
The same paradox greets us in the news
media. Despite consistently growing cultur-
al coverage, the vanguard artist is often
portrayed as an engaging roué at best, as
psychotic at worst. Reams of copy are de-
voted to the charges against Karen Finley
(the chocolate-smeared woman), Robert
Mapplethorpe and Andres Serrano, as well
as the 1994 performance in Minneapolis
David Suter
where the artist Ron Athey allegedly
"sprayed" H.I.V.-infected blood on the audi-
ernment financing for the arts - but not for
Fame, where meekness isn't called for,
ing of Federal dollars directly to artists.
ence. But their ideas - Mr. Serrano, for
their practitioners.
The N.E.A. continues to
found an aroused art legion on a recent visit
Some states, several private foundations
example, intended his crucifix submerged
We thus face an absurd contradiction that
to the Middle West. At the Museum of Con-
and a number of large corporations are
"in urine as a criticism of commercial exploi-
begs deconstruction on some level beyond
forbid grants to
temporary Art in Chicago he was pointedly
following suit.
tation, not of religion - are rarely exam-
Why have we decided to reject a group
political posturing and sound biting. It's far
told - by Robert Fitzpatrick, its new direc-
ined. Neither do we usually get an accurate
that has brought so much renown - to say
too easy to blame this crisis on the excesses
individual artists, but on
tor, among others - that the N.E.A.'s inabil-
account of controversial art events: in Min-
of an avant-garde lately run wild, in the
the threshold of a new
ity to support individual artists directly has
nothing of tourist gold - to our society? At a
neapolis, the "spray-off" actually consisted
time when Americans are more actively
repetitive manner of Sen. Jesse Helms and
scared off critical sources in the private
of strips of cloth daubed with small amounts
engaged in seeing and making art than
his allies. The avant-garde has always of-
of noninfected blood and stretched on a rope
fended -- temporarily - the mainstream,
century, they have
sector. Mr. Ivey's response was prompt:
"We want to get back to the business of
ever? Museum attendance is up. Art galler-
above the audience.
Let me testify that this is a departure
ies and alternative performance-art spaces
which one generation or so later begins to
reason to hope that the
supporting individual artists."
sprouted in every American town and city in
pay huge sums for its works. This cyclical
What next? Mr. Ivey counseled patience.
from the progressive trend that prevailed in
the 70's and 80's, only falling on hard times
progress began with Manet and the Impres-
door may open again.
Yes, the reconversion of Congress might not
the late 60's. When I joined Newsweek as a
of late. Per capita prosneritv has gone
sionists. Pollock, now nearing Walt Whit-
1070
they are pale reflections beside the vintage
gleam in Ed Koch's eyes.
The same paradox greets us in the news
media. Despite consistently growing cultur-
ál coverage, the vanguard artist is often
portrayed as an engaging roué at best, as
psychotic at worst. Reams of copy are de-
voted to the charges against Karen Finley
(the chocolate-smeared woman), Robert
Mapplethorpe and Andres Serrano, as well
David Suter
as the 1994 performance in Minneapolis
where the artist Ron Athey allegedly
Fame, where meekness isn't called for,
sprayed" H.I.V.-infected blood on the audi-
ing of Federal dollars directly to artists.
ernment financing for the arts - but not for
The N.E.A. continues to
found an aroused art legion on a recent visit
ence. But their ideas - Mr. Serrano, for
Some states, several private foundations
their practitioners.
to the Middle West. At the Museum of Con-
example, intended his crucifix submerged
and a number of large corporations are
We thus face an absurd contradiction that
forbid grants to
temporary Art in Chicago he was pointedly
urine as a criticism of commercial exploi-
following suit.
begs deconstruction on some level beyond
told by Robert Fitzpatrick, its new direc-
tation, not of religion - are rarely exam-
Why have we decided to reject a group
political posturing and sound biting. It's far
individual artists, but on
tor, among others - that the N.E.A.'s inabil-
ined. Neither do we usually get an accurate
that has brought so much renown - to say
too easy to blame this crisis on the excesses
ity to support individual artists directly has
account of controversial art events: in Min-
nothing of tourist gold to our society? At a
of an avant-garde lately run wild, in the
the threshold of a new
scared off critical sources in the private
meapolis, the "spray-off" actually consisted
time when Americans are more actively
repetitive manner of Sen. Jesse Helms and
sector. Mr. Ivey's response was prompt:
of strips of cloth daubed with small amounts
engaged in seeing and making art than
his allies. The avant-garde has always of-
century, they have
"We want to get back to the business of
of noninfected blood and stretched on a rope
ever? Museum attendance is up. Art galler-
fended - temporarily - the mainstream,
above the audience.
ies and alternative performance-art spaces
which one generation or so later begins to
reason to hope that the
supporting individual artists."
What next? Mr. Ivey counseled patience.
Let me testify that this is a departure
sprouted in every American town and city in
pay huge sums for its works. This cyclical
progress began with Manet and the Impres-
door may open again.
Yes, the reconversion of Congress might not
from the progressive trend that prevailed in
the 70's and 80's, only falling on hard times
the late 60's. When I joined Newsweek as a
sionists. Pollock, now nearing Walt Whit-
occur until the next century. But the battle
of late. Per capita prosperity has gone
critic in 1970, the editors actually welcomed
man in popular reverie, enraged main-
won't be won by hiding behind the skirts of
my insistence on explaining rather than
through the roof in this decade. And more
stream America in the 1950's: when I was a
the nexus of power. Among the eloquent pro-
tradition. We clearly need to hail the identi-
Americans travel, take college-level
denigrating the avant-garde. These were
kid in school, Time magazine called him
art voices ringing in my ears in those days
fying characteristic of our culture, summed
also the years when the budget for the
courses (including art history) and buy
"Jack the Dripper."
was that of Mr. Brademas, who convened
up by what the art critic Harold Rosenberg
National Endowments for the Arts and the
original art than ever before.
No, we are living through a special, un-
that late 70's meeting and is now president
called "The Tradition of the New." You
Humanities gradually increased, jump-
By over whelming margins, parents tell us
precedented moment. "Public Opinion and
emeritus of New York University and chair-
don't need a Ph.D. in multicultural studies
started by President Nixon and Leonard
they want more, not less, arts in the schools.
Political Vulnerability" notes that a decided
man of the President's Committee on the
to realize that the genius of the arts-in
Garment, his friend and adviser. Thus the
We have twice elected a President whose
shift took place between 1985 and this year,
Arts and Humanities. His fervent allies at
America has always been a refusal to imi-
nation benefited from an imaginative series
formal commitment to the National Endow-
when voters were questioned about their
the time included Senators like Jacob Javits
tate the past. From Emerson and Whitman
of programs that directly aided artists, par-
ments is passionate, however mixed his
support (or nonsupport) of Government fi-
and Claiborne Pell, Congressmen like Sid-
to Pollock and Rauschenberg (along with
ticularly those working in new media or in
performance while under siege from a Re-
nancing for the arts. While evangelical
ney Yates from Illinois, White House insid-
Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates),
poor rural and working-class districts, Less
publican majority determined to end cultur-
Christians have always opposed the N.E.A.
ers like Leonard Garment and Presidents
we thrive precisely because we dare to
than one year from the new century, howev-
al beneficence. But Princeton University's
and N.E.H., they are now joined by Republi-
like John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.
offend gentility. Whitman was as explicit-in
er, Congress continues to forbid the award-
respected Center for Arts and Cultural Poli-
cans who are opposed to almost any Federal
defense of the body as a vessel for metaphor
cy Studies reports in its latest working
expenditure on purely budgetary grounds.
HEN George McGovern ran
as Ms. Finley, Mapplethorpe or Mr. Serra-
Douglas Davis is an artist, writer and teach-
paper, "Public Opinion and Political Vulner-
In the past, high-income "secular conserva-
W
for President in 1972, his
no.
er whose books include "The Five Myths of
ability: Why Has the National Endowment
tives' nodded affirmatively at arts financ-
campaign staff asked me to
When Emerson proclaimed "Every day is
TV Power" and "The Museum Trans-
for the Arts Been Such an Attractive Tar-
ing. Though small in number - perhaps 25
write a full-length speech on
a new dawn," he rang the same bell that
formed."
get?," that most Americans approve Gov-
percent of the electorate, tops this
behalf of the contemporary arts probably
sounds loud and clear in most of the combat-
highly vocal group, superb at harassing the
an historical first (never delivered, it was
ive art-critical polemics now written but
Congress.
still issued in an exuberant press release).
not in the public arena, where its ring is
In the middle there is a vast green land of
When Gov. Clinton came to New York for
rarely heard. Since this message is both
centrist voters who want more of "the arts,"
the crucial primary in 1992, I was invited
powerful and logical, since it is patriotic to
by any means. Way over on the other side is
again, this time to draft a position paper on
the core, since it justifies supporting living
another committed sector - another 25
the arts in league with People for the Ameri-
rather than dead artists, I can only conclude
NOW
percent, perhaps, which includes highly edu-
can Way. That year the Clinton-Gore ticket
that we fail to play our winning card be-
cated whites and minorities, poor blacks
adopted a progressive platform that insist-
cause we're scared half to death by the
and Hispanics, and arts professionals. But
ed on the visual artist's First Amendment
unending avalanche of insults from the far
this impassioned coalition has been shell-
rights.
right.
shocked in the last decade. With a few
Why don't we hear or feel this passion
"I feel like a welfare mother," the painter
are
exceptions, it does not lobby, write Op Ed
now? Why isn't our enormous, growing col-
and conceptualist Lucio Pozzi once told-me.
articles, call talk shows or speak out. It is
lective of artists, writers and performers
But the welfare mothers excoriated by poli-
mute.
deluging Congress with protests over the
ticians in the 80's had no army of articulate
I contend not only that this passivity is the
excision of direct aid? I'm not saying the
retainers nearby. They were scapegoats
core of the problem, but that it represents a
pro-arts lobby is dead in Washington. But it
during a period of enormous budget deficits.
Lungsy
swift and sharp reversal from the idealistic
has waged a primarily defensive battle, in
We're on the edge of a very different period.
60's and 70's. In those decades, virtually all
league with the sullen, resigned créative
sector itself. In the teeth of the rage over the
Budget surpluses are back. The long-dor-
my creative friends were encouraged by the
rambunctious American vanguard, our de-
mant moderate wing of the G.O.P., friendly
new respect being paid by Congress and the
fenders on the floor of Congress have hum-
to the Endowments, is now born again. The
news media. In fact, this reversal began in
"information industry," which depends
the late 50's, when a form of official open-
upon creativity and imagination, is the red-
we
must
bly conceded "mistakes" and appealed to
ness to challenging new art surfaced in the
the heavens, to civility, to tradition and to
sponsorship of touring international exhibi-
the goddess of art. In hearings before a
hot engine of this economy. On the issue of
tions that included the irreverent New York
hostile Congress during the last two years,
Federal aid, "public opinion is uncertain,"
School. More than one historian has linked
even the few working artists, curators and
says the Princeton Center, "protean, and
talk
SUN
this new indulgence for truculent artists like
museum directors called to testify have
for grabs."
taken a similar line, mixed with assurances
Let's reach out to mold that quicksilver
Pollock, Mr. Rauschenberg and de Kooning
with a vested cold war necessity: by wel-
that local craftsmen and grandmothers are
opinion and shake the hand of the Congress
coming their assaults on tradition, we dem-
eligible for grants, too.
again, without apology.
onstrated how "open" we were as opposed
It's gratifying to hear that the new direc-
to the closed Soviet state.
tor of the N.E.A., Bill Ivey, fresh from
Readers can respond directly to Mr. Da-
Rudy Burckhardt
Jackson Pollock with a drip painting in 1950; once he offended, now he's revered.
Yet the postwar vanguard did flower in
stewardship of the Rock and Roll Hall of
vis by E-mail at [email protected]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 9, 1999
Rob Baker and James Duffee
Rocking Horse Center
2341 East High Street
Springfield, OH 45509
Dear Dr. Baker and Dr. Duffee:
Thank you for your letter and invitation for the First
Lady to keynote the Rocking Horse Center's Opening
Ceremony later this month, which was forwarded to us by
Congressman Hobson.
Regrettably, Mrs. Clinton's schedule will not permit her
to accept the Center's kind invitation, as she will be travelling
overseas at that time. Mrs. Clinton conveys her appreciation for
the Center's vital work to keep children healthy, along with her
best wishes to you and your colleagues.
All the best.
Sincerely,
Mala were
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
June 8, 1999
Rob Baker and James Duffee
Rocking Horse Center
2341 East High Street
Springfield, OH 45509
Dear Dr. Baker and Dr. Duffee:
Thank you for your letter and invitation for the First
Lady to keynote the Rocking Horse Center's Opening
Ceremony later this month, which was forwarded to us by
Congressman Hobson.
Regrettably, Mrs. Clinton's schedule will not permit her
to accept the Center's kind invitation, as she will be travelling
overseas at that time. Mrs. Clinton conveys her appreciation for
the Center's vital work to keep children healthy, along with her
best wishes to you and your colleagues.
OK
All the best.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
Rocking Horse Center
for the health of infants, children, and youth.
April 25, 1999
The Honorable Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, First Lady
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
By way of this letter we respectfully request your attendance as keynote speaker at the opening
ceremony of the Rocking Horse Center, a comprehensive, family based pediatric health care
center in Springfield, Ohio that will open in June. The exact date of the ceremony can be
coordinated with your schedule, but our target window is June 23-30. Your nationally
recognized leadership and concern for the issues of early childhood development and children's
health have provided inspiration to countless Americans, and this center is an excellent example
of how collaborative and innovative efforts can be brought to bear on these issues.
Rocking Horse Center began as an effort by a pediatrician/child psychiatrist, representatives from
the two Springfield hospitals, the local health district, and the mayor to address the health
problems related to child poverty, especially in the context of welfare reform. The inspiration
was drawn from an anti-poverty rally organized by an ecumenical faith-based organization that
took place on Pentecost, 1997. The location of a new facility was chosen as a part of an urban
renewal initiative by a downtown church. As a result of this collaboration among private, public,
and religious organizations, a beautiful building is in its final phase of construction in an area of
town known for drug trafficking and hazardous, multi-family dwellings.
The name of the center derives from the geographic shape of a region defined by the
concentration of low income housing in Springfield. This ten-census tract area is a federally
designated health provider shortage area (HPSA) and has a high percentage of children living in
poverty. At least 17% of children in the region either have inadequate or no health insurance,
and over 50% qualify for federally subsidized lunches. Over two-thirds of the births from the
region are to low-income families as measured by a chart review at Community Hospital.
Although Rocking Horse Center will serve all children in Clark and Champaign counties,
enhanced programs will be available to the most vulnerable children in the immediate
neighborhood.
Programmatic innovations include addition of extensive family support services and integration
of child psychiatry into conventional pediatric practice. A Developmental Specialist will be
available to the families with children from birth to three, and a Family Advocate will attend to
parental health issues as well as supervise a home visitor program. An eligibility coordinator
will be added to the business office to assure that no child is turned away. A Nurse Practitioner
will coordinate extended and group health supervision visits. Finally, Rocking Horse Center will
be a training site for pediatric and child psychiatry residents from Wright State University.
A number of adjunct programs will build from the multi-disciplinary collaboration. Rocking
Horse Center will be involved in child literacy through the "Reach Out and Read" program in
that books will be presented to all children at health supervision visits from six months to five
years. Included in the plans are a Child Advocacy Center and a Family Resource Center, both to
be located in our building, but involving volunteers and outside agencies.
Rocking Horse Center will change the way pediatric medicine is rendered and understood in
Springfield, Clark County, and the surrounding area. Its innovative programs, community
responsiveness, and involvement with multiple community initiatives will make it a model
program for the care of high-risk children and families. Its originators have drawn on a
remarkable level of cooperation and community spirit. Most importantly, it will provide a
medical home for low and moderate income children in southern Springfield who are now in
danger of being left behind.
Attached for your review is a copy of Rocking Horse Center's statements of Mission, Vision, and
Philosophy. We would be most honored by your acceptance of our invitation to help us celebrate
the opening of this innovative, valuable community resource. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rob Bahar
Rob Baker, Ph.D.
James Duffee, MD
President, Board of Trustees
Medical Director
Rocking Horse Center
Rocking Horse Center
Rocking Horse Center
for the health of infants, children and youth
Mission
The mission of Rocking Horse Center is to help raise healthy children in caring
families. Rocking Horse Center is a medical home where families will improve
their physical, emotional and mental health.
Vision
Our vision is that the health and well being of all infants, children and youth in our
community will be improved by our efforts. Rocking Horse Center will be a model
program of enhanced pediatric care that will be widely recognized and emulated.
Philosophy
We believe that all children deserve to live healthy and happy lives in caring
families and supportive, safe communities. We respect the dignity and value of
every child and affirm that all children have the right to health care. We also
believe that families should participate in decisions about the care of their
children and in the operation of the center where their children receive care.
Our business philosophy reflects our commitments to universal access and
community responsiveness. The Center will make sure all children receive the
care they need regardless of the income of their families. The Center will be not-
for-profit but fiscally accountable to the public trust. All efforts will be made to
make the care rendered both cost-effective and high quality. Our building and
office will incorporate wise use of natural resources.
We know that the care of children occurs in families living in communities.
Therefore, a team approach can most reasonably address the complexities of the
many relationships involved in effective health promotion. We will build a
seamless, integrated care continuum starting with the family, through the
treatment team to other community agencies and resources. We will advance
public policies that make the community safer for children and youth.
We will continue to search for and implement best practices for health promotion
and compassionate treatment of illness. We will provide an environment in which
others can explore and learn those best practices.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 14, 1999
Norman Dorsen
Lawyers Committee for Human Rights
333 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
Dear Norman:
Thank you for the copy of the report on the Business
and Human Rights Conference, for which I am very grateful.
You are truly engaged in some of the most challenging issues
of our time.
We love working with you. All the best.
Sincerely,
Anile Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer
the First Lady
June 9, 1999
Norman Dorsen
Lawyers Committee for Human Rights
333 Seventh Avenue, 13th Floor
New York, NY 10001-5004
Dear Norman:
Thank you for the copy of the report on the Business
and Human Rights Conference, which I have shared it with my
for which
colleagues. We shall keep this excellent resource on file in our
/ am very
office.
we Love working with you
grateful
Best wishes and hope all is well with you.
all me best
Sincerely,
you are
truly lugged
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
in same 9
the First Lady
the word
Challenging
Issues 9 an
five
06/07/99 MON 05:14 FAX 202 544 3681
A. I. USA DC
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002
AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL
P
USA
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, 5thFloor, Washington, DC 20003
Phone (202) 544-0200 Fax (202) 546-7142
June 7, 1999
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms Verveer:
I really enjoyed seeing you again during the meeting of the First Lady with the Algerian
Mothers of the Disappeared. The First Lady's visit provided direct protection to the
human rights activists, as well as helped bring the issue of disappearances to the attention
of the new Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the international community.
During that visit, you mentioned how you thought the Algerian Mothers of the
Disappeared could benefit from the experience of other such Mothers of the Disappeared,
such as in Chile and Argentina.
Melanne, we thought your idea was a fabulous one, and we are considering holding an
international conference of Mothers of the Disappeared Such a conference would be a
wonderful way for more experienced Mothers to share their experiences with the newer
activists, to bring the issue to the attention of the American public, as well as to shine the
spotlight on the role of women as human rights defenders in general internationally. We
are discussing several different conceptions of such a conference, and are considering
sites at Columbia University, New York University, Wellesley College, Harvard
University and others. Another possible focus of the conference could be Beijing-5, and
we could tap into UN events around women's rights and female human rights defenders
as well.
We would like to ask the First Lady to be a keynote speaker of such an Amnesty USA
Conference of Mothers of the Disappeared. Would she be available, and what venue
would be the most interesting for her?
We appreciate your attention.
Sincerely,
Bel
William F. Schulz
Executive Director
Amnesty International is an independent worldwide movement working impartially for the release of all prisoners of conscience, fair and prompt trials for
political prisoners and an end to torture and executions, It is funded by donations from its members and supporters throughout the world.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
William F. Schulz